UMD Media, March 8, 2025
In an 84-minute speech on March 6, addressing questions raised by the youth of Mekelle, President Getachew Reda of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) detailed the numerous challenges he said he has been facing. He repeatedly referred to a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael, as “the clique,” accusing them of obstructing stability to avoid accountability. Alongside Debretsion Gebremichael, the faction’s politburo includes eight other members: Amanuel Assefa (Deputy Chair), Fetelework G/her (Head of the Secretariat), Fisseha Haftetsion, Solomon Kidane, Abraham Tekeste, Liya Kassa, Redai Berhe, and Teklay Gebremedhin.
President Getachew stated that certain individuals would be held responsible for crimes including theft, murder, and human rights abuses. He also mentioned that some members of this faction were concerned about being on a list of suspects that could be handed over to the federal government. He accused these elements of deliberately fostering instability to evade justice.
Addressing personal concerns, he expressed that due to the high level of defamation and false accusations surrounding him, resigning was no longer a safe option, even if he desired to do so. He pointed out that even in Mekelle, the mayor he appointed has been unable to assume office, as local advisors warned that it could trigger conflict instigated by the clique.
While acknowledging his own role in past mistakes and crimes of the party, President Getachew emphasized that the problem was not his alone. He criticized his vice presidents, citing General Tadesse, a vice president and head of security, who he said should not blame the government when security problems arise as that is under his portfolio.
Getachew Reda condemned a prevailing culture of branding anyone who deviates from the clique’s agenda as a traitor, noting that he himself had fallen victim to this practice. He admitted that he once participated in such actions, giving the example of how the opposition political party Arena, the first and oldest opposition party in Tigray, was labeled as treasonous.
Regarding government resources, the President revealed that while he initially had no access to government vehicles, members of the clique were using five to six cars each. He also accused the clique of breaking the army’s chain of command by undermining commanders who do not align with their interests. He cited a recent incident where government appointees were forcibly stopped at gunpoint by members of the clique.
President Getachew lamented that some parts of Tigray under the influence of the clique had become lawless regions where suspected criminals could find refuge. He gave an example of a suspect who was reported to be hiding in Shire, in Northwestern Tigray. He also addressed illegal gold mining in the region, stating that a task force, including Tadesse Worede, had been established to curb the activity. However, he accused top leaders of the clique of being involved in illegal gold mining, revealing that 85 kilograms of gold had been extracted in the past month alone. He confirmed that he had submitted investigation documents on some suspects to the police and the Bureau of Justice.
The President further accused the clique of attempting to reclaim power by exploiting regional identity and dividing the people. He claimed that they selectively bestowed or stripped the Tigrayan identity based on political allegiance. He warned the youth against falling for these divisive tactics and emphasized that no force would be able to reverse the changes currently underway in the region.
He also called upon the army to refrain from participating in the unlawful seizure of administrative offices and government seals. He accused the clique of promoting backwardness and urged the youth to resist their tactics through peaceful means, avoiding direct confrontations. He encouraged young people to reject the influence of army leaders who undermine government efforts.
Furthermore, he accused the clique of using the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the issue of restoring Tigray’s territories as tools for political maneuvering. He claimed that they were manipulating the army for their group’s interests, threatening both the military and civilians under the pretext of saving the party and restructuring the administration.
President Getachew assured his audience that no one would be able to undo the progress being made. He emphasized that he would not delay in taking further action to restore stability and accountability in the region.
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