The Tigray Interim Administration, led by Getachew Reda, issued a statement accusing a faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael, of carrying out a “formal coup” against the regional government. The statement alleged that this faction has escalated from merely obstructing governmental functions to attempting to seize control, citing specific incidents in Mekelle city and in the North Western and Central zones of Tigray.
The interim administration’s statement condemned what it described as “extensive deception,” claiming Debretsion’s group had reached an agreement with certain military leaders, taking control of the administration’s structure. The administration warned that these “irresponsible actions” aimed to instill hopelessness among the people.
The internal TPLF rift follows mediation efforts by Tigray’s Orthodox Synods on October 31. The religious leaders encouraged peaceful conflict resolution, though the TPLF clarified that the clerics were not official mediators. The interim government expressed willingness to negotiate without preconditions but ruled out discussions on power-sharing.
This division within the TPLF, marked by actions from Debretsion’s faction to remove Getachew and other officials, has led to accusations of destabilizing the region. The interim administration warned it may take legal steps against Debretsion’s faction to prevent further unrest in Tigray.
