Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede has been appointed as the new interim president of Tigray, taking over from Getachew Reda. Tadesse, who previously served as the deputy president and head of the cabinet secretariat for peace and security, is now tasked with steering the region through its current challenges.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his support for the transition, highlighting that Tadesse’s deep understanding of the previous administration’s operations would enable him to effectively manage Tigray’s future. “Today marks the peaceful and formal implementation of a leadership transition program—an important step toward cultivating a new political culture,” Prime Minister Abiy said.
The leadership change follows months of internal strife within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after its 14th Congress, which resulted in two rival factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda. These factions clashed over control of the regional administration, leading to tensions that have yet to be fully resolved.
Despite these divisions, Lt. Gen. Tadesse has worked to prevent the political struggles from escalating into security threats, reassuring the public that efforts are underway to maintain stability in the region. His leadership is seen as essential in navigating the aftermath of these disputes and ensuring that Tigray’s development continues without further interruptions.
The federal government, meanwhile, has extended the mandate of the Tigray Interim Administration by another year, offering the region additional time to stabilize. The move has come amid concerns that the political situation could spiral into further unrest if not addressed.
Lt. Gen. Tadesse, a highly respected military leader, played a crucial role in Tigray’s defense during the two-year conflict and has been instrumental in negotiating the Pretoria and Nairobi peace agreements. His leadership experience in both military and diplomatic settings makes him a key figure for Tigray at this pivotal moment.
With the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tadesse, the region hopes to embark on a new chapter of governance and peacebuilding, building on the fragile agreements made in the wake of the conflict. However, the exact nature of the agreement between the TPLF and the federal government regarding Tadesse’s appointment remains unclear.
As Tigray moves forward, the role of leadership remains central to maintaining peace and fostering long-term stability in the region.