Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Shame of a Generation: Tadesse Worede, the Worst Interim President in Tigray’s History
Destroyer of Civil Society: Tadesse Worede’s Anti-People Leadership Model
Executive Summary
This strategic and critical analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of the 33-day tenure of General Tadesse Worede as Head of the Tigray Interim Administration. Appointed on April 8,2025, his leadership has rapidly devolved into an alarming symbol of lawlessness, authoritarianism, and criminal impunity. Drawing upon expert assessments and investigative data, this report details his direct role in reinstating criminal networks, obstructing justice, dismantling judicial independence, suppressing media freedom, enabling illegal mining operations, and sabotaging Tigray’s socio-political transformation.
- Introduction: From War Hero to Political Saboteur
Once viewed as a potential transitional figure, General Tadesse Worede’s brief administration has instead exposed deeply embedded criminal alliances within the post-war power structure of Tigray. His appointment signaled not reform or recovery, but a dark return to repression, tribal patronage, and institutional decay.
- Critical Questions for Strategic Evaluation
- What has Tadesse Worede achieved in his 33 days in power beyond reinstating known criminals? Why were individuals previously removed for corruption and criminal conspiracy reinstated to top military and civil positions?
How has his leadership impacted the rule of law, judicial independence, and media freedom in
Tigray?
What is the link between his administration and renewed PFDJ-TPLF cooperation?
How have IDPs, civil institutions, and national resources been affected under his governance?
- Reinstatement of Criminal Networks: A Strategic Disaster Under Tadesse Worede:
General Megebe Haile, General Haileselassie Girmay, General Mahsho Beyene, and especially Colonel Haileselassie Belay were reinstated to former positions despite documented criminal and treasonous records.
Colonel
Gebreselassie Belay, previously dismissed by President Getachew Reda, is now head of the 22nd Division despite his son’s involvement in the daylight murder of Zewdu Haftu in Mekelle—an unresolved case due to judicial paralysis and armed intimidation.Judicial institutions have been completely bypassed, creating a dangerous precedent of military
impunity and intimidation of justice officials.
- Obstruction of Justice: A Criminal Governance Structure
General Tadesse’s rule has allowed the judicial system to fall into dysfunction, including:
Intimidation of judges and prosecutors
Illegal releases of detainees, including Berhane Gebregiorgis, who was arrested for conspiring with Eritrean security agents
Elevation of known obstructionists and enforcers to judicial and security power without legal oversight
This level of interference aligns with textbook definitions of Obstruction of Justice, which in any international standard, is a criminal offense.
- Unholy Alliance: PFDJ-TPLF Collaboration Resurfaces
Evidence suggests a rapid deterioration of security integrity as military divisions under
Haileselassie Belay have facilitated new covert cooperation with Eritrea’s PFDJ:
Renewed TPLF-PFDJ coordination on resource exploitation
Secret meetings between former intelligence operatives linked to both groups
Suspicious cross-border movements and trade patterns implicating Eritrean mining interests in Western Tigray
- Media Repression and Silencing Reformists
Under Getachew Reda, press freedom was cautiously emerging. Now:
Tigray Broadcasting Service (TBS) and independent media outlets face daily threats
Reformist youth leaders and journalists have been detained or intimidated
The political climate is now reminiscent of pre-genocide media lockdowns
- Institutional Collapse: EFFORT, TDA, and IDP Neglect
EFFORT and TDA are now under administrative capture by corrupt loyalists of the old TPLF
guard IDPs remain stranded across Tigray, with no action plan or logistics support despite repeated promises Civil society groups and aid organizations are denied operational space, accused of disloyalty to the regime - Gold, Land, and Corruption: Exploiting National Wealth
Illegal gold mining and land grabbing have increased dramatically:
Western and Southern Tigray gold fields continue to be exploited by militarized cartels
Urban land in Mekelle and surrounding districts has been seized by TPLF-affiliated cronies under Tadesse’s protection.
The promise of state-led reconstruction has been replaced with gangster capitalism
- International and Regional Implications
Tadesse Worede’s actions have:
Undermined the Pretoria Peace Agreement
Created a security vacuum favorable to foreign intervention and destabilization
Eroded international donor trust and diplomatic engagement
- Recommendations for Immediate Action
For the Tigray Interim Assembly and People:
Demand immediate resignation or removal of General Tadesse Worede
Reestablish an independent commission of inquiry into crimes and misconduct
Suspend and investigate all reappointed military officers with criminal records
For the International Community:
Impose targeted sanctions on those obstructing justice and exploiting Tigray’s resources Increase diplomatic pressure for transparent governance in Tigray Support civil society protection, media freedom, and judicial rebuilding programs
Conclusion:
Tadesse Worede’s 33 Days of Betrayal
General Tadesse Worede’s short time in power has already left a legacy of betrayal,
lawlessness, and criminal consolidation. His leadership represents a severe threat to Tigray’s fragile peace, justice, and democratic aspirations. The region must act now to prevent a complete collapse of its institutions.
Tadesse Worede is not a transitional leader; he is the architect of a counter-revolution against the people of Tigray.
Prepared for Publication by:
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)In collaboration with leading experts in international law, diplomacy, and security policy
