Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has named Tadesse Worede as the new head of the interim administration in the northern Tigray region amid internal party divisions that have raised concerns over a potential rekindling of hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Tadesse, who has served as the interim administration’s deputy president for the past two years, played a significant military role as a top commander in the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) during the 2020–2022 conflict with the federal government—a war that claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
During that conflict, Eritrean forces supported Ethiopia’s federal troops. However, the signing of a ceasefire agreement in November 2022 deteriorated relations between the two neighboring countries. Analysts suggest that Eritrea, feeling sidelined by the pact that empowered the TPLF—a group it views with deep suspicion—has harbored grievances over its exclusion.
The internal rift within the TPLF deepened last year when the group split into factions. A dissident faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael accused Tigray’s then-interim administration, initially headed by TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda (whose two-year term has now expired), of compromising Tigrayan interests. Debretsion’s side, which captured the town of Adigrat last month, has refuted allegations that it is collaborating with Eritrea, thereby escalating regional tensions.
Adding to the alarm, Eritrea recently announced a nationwide military mobilisation, as reported by a human rights group, while Ethiopia has moved troops toward their shared border. Yet, Prime Minister Abiy has sought to minimise the risk of renewed conflict.
Observers note that Tadesse has maintained a relatively neutral stance amid the TPLF split. According to a letter released by Abiy’s spokesperson, Billene Seyoum, Tadesse has committed to eight measures—including ensuring the return of those displaced by the war and the demobilisation of combatants.
Abiy wrote on the social platform X:
“(Tadesse) has a clear understanding of both the strengths and shortcomings of the previous administration, and many believe he is well-positioned to guide Tigray through this critical transition.”
“It is my hope that (Tadesse) will seize this historic opportunity to help the people of Tigray realize their aspirations for peace and development,” he added.
The appointment is seen as a pivotal step in stabilising the volatile situation in Tigray, with hopes that Tadesse’s leadership will foster reconciliation and pave the way for renewed peace in the region.
