Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London,March 18፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
The U.S. State Department
The Government of the United Kingdom
European Human Rights Organizations
The African Union
The Diplomatic Community in Ethiopia
Other Relevant International and Regional Human Rights Organizations
Urgent Briefing: The Attempted Coup Against the Tigray Interim Government – A Criminal Act That Must Be Condemned
Executive Summary
On 11 March 2025, the President of the Tigray Interim Government (TIG), Getachew Reda, was subjected to an illegal and orchestrated attempt to detain or abduct him by armed militias loyal to a TPLF splinter faction. This act, carried out under the command of rogue generals, represents a direct assault on Tigray’s political stability, security, and post-genocide recovery process.
This attempted coup is not an isolated incident but a calculated effort by anti-reform elements within the TPLF to sabotage the transition process, in direct violation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Even more concerning, these groups have maintained active ties with the Eritrean regime and other external actors, who seek to destabilize Tigray and Ethiopia at large.
The Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR), in collaboration with leading regional and international security experts, has prepared this briefing to:
Expose the attempted coup and its implications.
Call for the designation of the TPLF splinter faction militias as a terrorist organization.
Highlight Getachew Reda’s role in leading Tigray’s democratic transition and exposing TPLF’s systemic failures.
Demand immediate international action to prevent further instability.
- The Attempted Coup: A Direct Threat to Tigray’s Stability
1.1 The Coordinated Attempt to Detain or Kidnap President Getachew Reda
While en route to the airport under heavy security, President Getachew Reda was pursued by armed militias disguised as “security forces.” This was a premeditated political assault designed to overthrow the Tigray Interim Government (TIG) and disrupt the ongoing post-genocide reform efforts.
1.2 The Criminal Network Behind the Coup Attempt
The coup attempt was orchestrated by a faction within the TPLF determined to maintain control through violence and sabotage. The key figures involved include:
General Tadesse Worede – Accused of widespread corruption, illegal gold smuggling, and military sabotage.
Debretsion Gebremikael (Phd)chairman of TPLF(Left),Leitenant Colonel Tadese Worede,vice resident of Tigray Intrim Government(Right)
General Fisseha Kidanu – A central figure in protecting illicit economic networks.
General Yohannes Woldegiorgis – A long-time operative within the TPLF’s security apparatus,known for undermining the Tigray Interim Government.
General Megebe Haile – Directly involved in mobilizing rogue militias against Tigray’s legitimate leadership.
General Mahsho Beyene –
A key conspirator coordinating with Eritrean intelligence and external
actors.
These individuals represent a direct security threat to Tigray’s governance and post-war
stabilization efforts.
1.3 Collaboration with Tigray’s Enemies
These generals have maintained long-standing connections with the Eritrean regime and external actors opposed to Tigray’s sovereignty.
Their economic and military sabotage efforts align with external interests aimed at keeping
Tigray politically fractured and vulnerable.
- Designating the TPLF Splinter Militias as a Terrorist Organization
2.1 A Regional and International Security Threat
This armed faction meets all criteria for terrorist designation based on its:
Political Assassination Attempts & Armed Insurgency – The attempt to detain or eliminate Tigray’s highest political authority proves their willingness to use violence for power.
Terrorist Collaboration & Smuggling Networks – Their involvement in illegal gold mining, arms smuggling, and illicit financing aligns with transnational criminal and terrorist organizations.
Destabilization of the Horn of Africa – Their actions weaken Ethiopia’s stability and embolden external forces that have previously committed genocide against Tigray.
2.2 Urgent Need for International Action
We urge the following measures:
By the Ethiopian Federal Government – Immediate designation of these militias as a terrorist organization under national security laws.
By the U.S. and European Union – Application of targeted sanctions under anti-terrorism
legislation to cut off financial and logistical support.
By the African Union and United Nations – Classification of these groups as non-state armed actors that threaten peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
- Getachew Reda’s Leadership:
A Critical Force for Reform
3.1 A Leader Defying Corruption and Authoritarianism
Despite repeated threats, Getachew Reda has remained steadfast in his commitment to:
Challenging TPLF’s corrupt structures.
Pushing for democratic governance and accountability. Advocating for economic recovery and military professionalism.
3.2 Exposing TPLF’s Systemic Failures
For 50 years, the TPLF leadership has:
Operated as an authoritarian regime, suppressing political opposition.
Engaged in large-scale corruption and resource exploitation. Failed to prevent the genocide against Tigrayans.
3.3 The Path Forward Under Getachew Reda’s Leadership The Tigray Interim Government is now working to:
Establish a new, transparent political structure free from TPLF’s legacy of corruption.
Build a professional, non-partisan military that defends Tigray’s national interest.
Develop a diplomatic strategy that prioritizes Tigray’s territorial integrity and security.
- Urgent Calls to Action
4.1 International Condemnation of the Coup Attempt
We call on the U.S., UK, EU, AU, and UN to unequivocally condemn this attack on Tigray’s democratic transition.
The rogue generals and their militias must be held accountable under international law.
4.2 Terrorist Designation and Sanctions Against the TPLF Splinter Militias
Immediate classification of the armed faction as a terrorist group by Ethiopian and international authorities.
Sanctions on individuals and networks financing the militias through gold smuggling and illicit activities.
4.3 Diplomatic and Political Support for the Tigray Interim Government Strengthen international support for Getachew Reda’s leadership and his efforts to dismantle
authoritarian structures.
Engage with Tigray’s legitimate government to ensure that the transition remains on track.
Conclusion
The future of Tigray depends on decisive action to neutralize these destabilizing forces. The international community must not remain silent in the face of such blatant criminality. The removal of these elements is crucial to ensuring democracy, security, and long-term stability in Tigray and the wider region.
Prepared by:
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
Contributors: Leading Regional and International Political & Security Experts
This message is precise, and directly appeals to international stakeholders. It strengthens the call for terrorist designation, sanctions, and diplomatic action while reinforcing Getachew Reda’s leadership as pivotal for Tigray’s future
