Mekelle, February 23፡, 2025 (Tigray Herald)
General John Medide: A Loose Cannon Threatening Tigray’s Military Integrity
Prepared by Benedict Michael
General John Medid’s Threats Materialize: Army 26 Attacks Seharti Samre Farmers
The Tigray region is facing one of its most perilous moments since the Pretoria Agreement, as deep divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have now extended into the military.
The ongoing political crisis, marked by a factional split within the TPLF, has escalated
into military involvement, with commanders openly taking sides in what was widely seen as a dangerous and destabilizing move.
This intervention has been met with widespread condemnation from political parties, civil society organizations, and activists, who argue that the military’s role is to protect the region, not to interfere in partisan disputes. Many now fear that this political and military power struggle
could trigger another civil war in Tigray.
The current crisis traces back to August 2024, when a faction of the TPLF led by Debretsion
Gebremichael held a congress without following the legal procedures set by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). Since the congress did not adhere to NEBE’s regulations,the board did not recognize it, leading many to consider it an illegitimate gathering.
This congress resulted in leadership decisions that sidelined Interim Regional Administrator Getachew Reda. The Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) and other political actors denounced this move, labeling it an attempt to seize power outside the legal framework.
The situation escalated further when senior military commanders aligned themselves with the faction that held the unrecognized congress, despite the army’s mandate to remain neutral. Since then, these commanders have repeatedly demanded the restructuring of TIRA, insisting that it be
replaced by officials from their allied faction.
One of the key figures in this crisis, General John Medid, has been recorded stating that they will enforce the faction’s decisions by force, vowing to take action against any opposition.
This has intensified fears of military rule replacing civilian governance in Tigray.
Tensions boiled over into violence today when armed forces from Army 26, loyal to the faction that held the unrecognized congress, stormed the Seharti district administration.
The district administrator was holding a meeting with local farmers to discuss irrigation projects when armed individuals arrived, demanding the official government seal. When the administrator refused, the
group left, only to return hours later with a larger armed force. They forcibly took the seal an act seen as a clear attempt to seize administrative control. When farmers protested, the armed forces responded with violence. One farmer was shot and seriously injured, while several others were beaten with rifle butts.
This brutal attack has further deepened public anger, with many viewing it as the first step in an attempted military takeover of the Tigray administration.
The growing political-military crisis in Tigray is dangerously close to triggering another civil
war. The army’s direct involvement in political affairs threatens to fragment Tigray’s defense
forces, potentially leading to violent clashes between opposing factions.
The military’s intervention undermines the legitimacy of TIRA, potentially leading to a parallel administration enforced by armed groups. The violent crackdown in Seharti has fueled public outrage. If similar actions continue, widespread civilian uprisings could erupt, further escalating tensions. If this
crisis spirals into armed conflict, it could draw in external actors, leading to a broader
destabilization of the Horn of Africa.
With Tigray teetering on the edge of renewed war, urgent international action is needed to
prevent further bloodshed. The international community must condemn military interference and demand an immediate withdrawal of armed forces from political disputes.
Urgent peace talks between the divided TPLF factions and TIRA must be facilitated to prevent further escalation. Independent monitors should be deployed to investigate human rights abuses and ensure
accountability. There must also be support for democratic governance by strengthening civilian institutions and preventing military overreach.
The consequences of inaction could be catastrophic. If the situation is not defused immediately,Tigray could descend into another devastating civil war, reversing the fragile peace process and bringing further suffering to its people. The time to act is now.