Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Tadesse Worede as the new head of Tigray’s interim administration. Tadesse, a former TPLF commander, faces rising tensions with Eritrea, particularly after a recent military mobilization by Eritrea. He has accepted commitments aimed at restoring stability in the region as fears of renewed conflict grow.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed Tadesse Worede as the head of the interim administration in Tigray. Tadesse, who served as the deputy president for the past two years, previously held a significant role as a commander in the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) during the conflict with the federal government from 2020 to 2022. This war resulted in a humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and causing substantial casualties.
Tension remains high between Ethiopia and Eritrea, especially following the November 2022 peace agreement that excluded Eritrea from the political process in Tigray. Analysts highlight Eritrea’s dissatisfaction with being sidelined, exacerbated by the TPLF’s governance of the region. A new faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael has emerged, accusing the interim administration of betraying Tigray’s interests and recently capturing Adigrat, raising the potential for renewed hostilities.
Amidst rising tensions, Eritrea instituted a nationwide military mobilization, while Ethiopia moved troops closer to the border. Despite these conflicts, Prime Minister Abiy has attempted to mitigate fears of war. Tadesse, viewed as neutral in the TPLF’s internal division, accepted eight key commitments aimed at restoring stability, including the return of displaced individuals and combatant demobilization.
Abiy expressed confidence in Tadesse’s capability to navigate this transitional phase, stating that Tadesse understands both the strengths and weaknesses of the previous administration. He emphasized the importance of this moment for Tigray’s path towards peace and development, hoping Tadesse will leverage this opportunity wisely.
In conclusion, the appointment of Tadesse Worede as the leader of the interim administration in Tigray marks a significant step amid ongoing regional tensions. His past experience with the TPLF, combined with a neutral stance in the recent political schism, positions him uniquely to manage the fragile situation. With commitments to address key issues, including displacement and demobilization, Tadesse’s leadership offers a chance for peace and development in the region, which is crucial given the strained relations with Eritrea and the internal divisions within the TPLF.
Original Source: theprint.in
