Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposes a virtual vote for Tigray’s interim president amid rising tensions following Getachew Reda’s ouster by a rival faction. His removal deepens internal divisions within the TPLF, which became apparent after a recent party congress that excluded him. Getachew has called for federal intervention, alleging Eritrean support for the faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on the citizens of Tigray to submit candidates for a new interim president via email, amidst escalating tensions following the removal of Getachew Reda by a faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This initiative was announced after Abiy’s parliamentary endorsement of the current interim administration’s leadership ahead of the forthcoming nationwide elections.
Getachew Reda, who was appointed last year under a peace agreement concluding a two-year conflict, has reportedly been in Addis Ababa for the past two weeks after his expulsion from the TPLF. His ousting followed a rival faction’s takeover of a significant town and portions of Tigray, exacerbating internal divisions within the party.
The discord among the TPLF became evident last August when a crucial party congress proceeded without Getachew’s involvement. This division resulted in two factions: one supportive of Getachew, and the other led by veteran TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael. Although Debretsion’s faction successfully removed Getachew, the federal government has not acknowledged this change.
In light of these developments, Getachew has called for federal intervention, alleging that Eritrea supports Debretsion’s faction—a claim which has been contested by representatives of Debretsion’s camp.
The current political landscape in Tigray is characterized by heightened tensions following the ousting of Getachew Reda, reflecting a significant power struggle within the TPLF. As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed calls for submissions for a new interim president, the situation remains precarious with claims of external interference complicating the dynamics. The ongoing divisions within the TPLF underscore the need for careful navigation to ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
