Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
“The comprehensive monitoring and political accountability report by Horn of Africa GeopoliticalReview, examining Lt. Gen.
Tadesse Worede’s first 57 days as controversial Interim President ofTigray.
This document critically investigates his unfulfilled promises, rhetoric vs. reality, and thedeepening crisis of governance.
“What Goes Around, Comes Around”
The Illusion of Leadership: 57 Days of Empty Promises under Tadesse Worede’s Controversial Presidency*
Prepared by: Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)In Collaboration with Leading Regional and International Political and Security Experts Monitoring Report | Tigray Interim Administration | Day 57 of Presidency
Executive Summary
Fifty-seven days into Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede’s appointment as Interim President of Tigray, thefacts on the ground reveal a deepening crisis of leadership, accountability, and politicalparalysis. Tadesse came to power under highly controversial circumstances—a quiet, soft coupengineered by remnants of the TPLF’s “Above the Core” military oligarchy, rather than through ademocratic or legal transition.
While the President laid out a compelling plan in his inaugural cabinet address, promisingpeace, unity, security, rule of law, diaspora engagement, economic revival, and implementationof the Pretoria Peace Agreement, none of these commitments have materialized. This reportofers a fact-based, expert-led analysis of the rhetoric-reality gap that now defines Tadesse’sinterim administration.
I. The Coup Presidency: Illegitimate Rise to Power
The phrase “What goes around, comes around” has taken on a bitter irony in Tigray’s politics.Tadesse Worede’s path to the presidency was not earned through merit, legal consensus, orpublic mandate—but through covert alignment with discredited TPLF generals, including wareconomy beneficiaries and elements within the TDF’s “Above the Core.” Today, those samegenerals are turning against him, exposing the fragility and illegitimacy of his power base.
No legal handover or formal democratic transition. No public consultations or engagement with civil society.A presidency born from internal power manipulation, not constitutional process.
II. The 57-Day Scorecard:
Promises vs. Performance
- Promise: National Unity and Freedom of Movement
“We will work to build a Tigray that guarantees the right to freedom of movement regardless ofanyone’s views.”
Reality: Worsening Political Intimidation and Movement RestrictionsPolitical activists, critics, and civil society members report arrests, surveillance, and intimidation.Militia checkpoints in rural zones restrict movement based on perceived loyalty or dissent. Freedom of speech is deteriorating as community radio and youth movements are stifled.
- Promise: Security and Stability at Woreda & Station Levels
“There are phenomena of instability and attacks… this must be stopped.”
Reality: Expanded Violence and Parallel Power Structures
Armed criminal groups and rogue militias loyal to TPLF warlords remain active.
Woredas and towns like Sheraro, Abi Adi, and Zalambessa report growing lawlessness.
No disarmament process, no new security doctrine, and no structural reform.
- Promise: Inclusive Political Dialogue and National Consensus
“A national conference will be held to determine our security and survival as a nation.”
Reality: No Conference, No Consensus, Only Silence
Public forums never materialized.
Opposition voices, youth movements, religious leaders excluded.
Elite military cliques dominate the decision-making process.
- Promise: Eradicating Localism and Building Tigrayan Identity
“Tigrayanism is centuries old… we must eliminate the problem of localism.”
Reality: Deepening Ethnic and Regional Fragmentation
Local commanders operate as warlords, defying regional policies.TDF “Above the Core” generals accused of using ethnic and district-based favoritism to maintaincontrol. No public education campaign or national unity program launched.
- Promise: Economic Forums and Youth Empowerment
“We will revive the economy and make youth socio-economic beneficiaries.”
Reality: No Investment, No Strategy, No Economic Movement
Black market trade and illegal mining dominate the economy, with TDF-linked actors enriching themselves.
Youth unemployment is rising; no job creation programs or entrepreneurship platforms havebeen launched. Business leaders and diaspora investors report zero engagement from the administration.
- Promise: Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
“The judiciary will be free from any interference.”
Reality: Rule by Militia, Not Law
Judicial oficers are afraid to rule against TDF-afiliated actors. No prosecutorial independence, no accountability for war crimes or corruption.General impunity persists.
- Promise: Return of Displaced Persons and Pretoria Agreement Implementation
“Returning IDPs is key. No more war. Full commitment to peace.”
Reality: Betrayal of the Pretoria Peace Spirit
Tadesse has failed to secure the return of tens of thousands of displaced persons.He has delayed Pretoria’s implementation, while failing to diplomatically pressure the Amhara extremist militias for occupied Western and Southern Tigray. His administration is silent on Eritrean aggression, leaving border communities vulnerable, stillcontinuing occupied Tigray territory .
III. Political Isolation and Internal Backlash
Tadesse Worede now faces growing internal resistance from the same generals who installedhim. Why?
Failed leadership.
No progress.
Exposure of corruption and backdoor dealings.This has fueled calls for his resignation within political circles, the diaspora, and youth movements.
IV. Critical Questions Moving Forward
- Why has President Tadesse failed to implement even basic aspects of his plan?
- Why are the voices of civil society, youth, religious leaders, and women excluded fromgovernance?
- How can a president talk of rule of law while warlords roam free and courts remain silent?
- How is Tigray’s economic future being mortgaged to illegal mining operations and corruptgenerals?
- Can peace and development emerge under a leadership that came to power throughmanipulation, not legitimacy?
V. Recommendations from the Experts
Immediate establishment of an independent civilian oversight commission to monitor governance, corruption, and military abuses. Urgent formation of an inclusive national dialogue platform, representing all sectors ofsociety—not just former TPLF insiders.
Appointment of a technocratic caretaker administration with no links to war-era elites.Full audit of TDF and Tigray Interim Administration financial and military activities. A call for international monitoring of Pretoria Agreement implementation and displacementissues.
Conclusion:
The Clock is TickingTadesse Worede promised transformation but delivered stagnation. He pledged reconciliationbut sowed further division. He vowed peace and justice, yet clings to power through theshadows of a corrupt military oligarchy. The people of Tigray deserve more—they deservevision, legitimacy, truth, and deliverables.
As the proverb goes: “What goes around, comes around.”The architects of his power are now plotting his downfall. The revolution he betrayed is returningfor justice. The people are watching. So is the world.
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