Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
General Tadesse at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities
By Seyoum Assefa, MekelleMekelle
Following the crisis in the Tigray region, the Federal Government of Ethiopia appointed General Tadesse Worede as the head of the Interim Administration of Tigray. This decision was both strategic and wise for three key reasons:
- Key Signatory:
General Tadesse was one of the signatories of the Nairobi security agreement, which outlined the implementation modalities of the Pretoria peace deal.
- Military and Political Leadership:
As the commander-in-chief of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) and the former vice president of the interim government, he possessed the military and administrative experience to manage post-conflict tensions.
- TPLF Nomination:
The TPLF itself nominated General Tadesse for the presidency of Tigray. However, the federal government used his appointment to sideline the old guard of the TPLF and shift the political narrative.
Why Is General Tadesse at a Crossroads?
Despite his nomination by the TPLF and appointment by the federal government, General Tadesse faces resistance from both the TPLF and its supporters. There are coordinated efforts—both overt and covert—to undermine his authority, similar to what happened with the previous president. The following are key issues that highlight his current challenges:
- TPLF-Eritrea Relations
There are concerns about unclear activities along the Eritrean border, particularly in Rama, Badime, and Zelambessa.
High-ranking Eritrean military officials are reported to be moving freely in these areas. Infrastructure such as roads is being repaired, and cross-border trade is reportedly occurring, including commodities like sugar, eggs, livestock, coffee, and fuel. Meetings between TPLF and Eritrean officials are also taking place. General Tadesse appears unable—or unwilling—to stop these developments.
This could be due to limited authority over certain military units or a strategic decision to remain silent. Either way, this situation undermines his leadership and poses a security threat.
- The Legitimacy of the TPLF
Within TPLF central committee meetings, many members believe that the party’s legality could be reinstated with support from General Tadesse and his military leadership by influencing the federal government. However, a minority claim that General Tadesse has a hidden agenda aligned with the Federal Government, and that he is not interested in restoring the TPLF’s legal status.
In a notable meeting in Tigray’s central zone, a local administrator declared, “We are TPLF, and our chain of command is from the TPLF office, not from the Interim Administration.” He also stated that “Tadesse is loyal to the federal government, not to the TPLF or the people of Tigray,” implying that directives from the Interim Administration are not binding. Though his remarks were met with resistance, they reflect growing internal division.
- The Situation in Raya and Southeast Tigray
The TPLF continues to provoke unrest in Raya and southeastern parts of Tigray with support from certain military officers. General Tadesse has launched initiatives to address these conflicts, but the TPLF leadership opposes his efforts, aiming to bring these regions under full political control. Due to limited authority over some military commanders, he has yet to resolve these issues, posing a risk of future instability if not handled decisively. - Distrust from Supporters of the Former Interim Administration
Youth, intellectuals, and political groups who backed the previous interim government led by Getachew Reda and General Tsadikan Gebretensae believe that their removal was a coup. They view General Tadesse’s rise as a cover-up for the corruption of the TPLF’s old guard and protection of ineffective leadership.
This perception could lead to a lack of trust in his administration unless he takes tangible actions, such as ensuring the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), asserting Tigray’s sovereignty, etcetc
Conclusion
General Tadesse must clarify whether his leadership aims to reform the region, shield corrupt actors, or simply secure a political position. Regardless of these questions, he now has a golden opportunity, greater than his predecessors, to bring peace and stability to Tigray. To achieve this, he must act decisively.
Recommendations
- Restructure the Military Leadership: Retire corrupt or inactive officers through DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) programs and promote competent, loyal, and younger commanders.
- Manage Eritrea Relations Strategically: Avoid direct confrontation. Use intelligence operations and diplomacy to disrupt the covert TPLF-Eritrea collaboration, which poses a long-term threat to Tigray.
- Promote Inclusive Governance in South, South East and other areas: Respect the rights of local communities to self-govern without military interference. This approach is critical to avoiding future conflict and guerrilla resistance.
- Build Bridges with the Former Interim Administration: Politics should not be reduced to retaliation. Since both groups are now cooperating with the federal government, General Tadesse should initiate reconciliation to prevent further division and hardship in Tigray.
