Tigray, a historically significant region in northern Ethiopia, is once again grappling with political instability, months after the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, which was supposed to end the devastating civil war. The region, rich in culture, history, and natural resources, is home to ancient landmarks like the obelisks of Aksum and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, and has long played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s geopolitical landscape. However, the scars of the 2020–2022 civil war, which left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced, continue to cast a shadow over Tigray’s future.
In recent weeks, internal power struggles within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have erupted, leading to the ousting of Getachew Reda, the interim president of Tigray. Reda, who had hoped to focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation following the peace accord, now blames the ongoing infighting within his party for the region’s continued suffering. The division within the TPLF, he claims, sabotaged the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, hindering efforts to restore social services, address the needs of displaced people, and promote stability.
In an exclusive interview, Reda revealed that his downfall was not merely the result of a failed peace deal but rather a deep-rooted resistance from party leaders who were more focused on consolidating power than on Tigray’s long-term recovery. His willingness to work with the federal government under Ethiopia’s constitution was seen as a betrayal by hardliners within the TPLF, who accused him of being too soft on Addis Ababa. The real issue, according to Reda, was his refusal to submit to their authority, and the party’s inability to embrace new political realities.
As Tigray struggles with internal conflict, the future remains uncertain. Reda continues to maintain his leadership from abroad, signaling a precarious future for the region and its people.
