Mekelle,Telaviv,Nairobi,Pretoria,London,March 13፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
The Tigray Crisis: Power Struggles, Military Splits, and Civilian Suffering
By Batseba Seifu
Introduction
The political and military crisis in Tigray continues to deepen as internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) escalate into violent confrontations. At the heart of the conflict is a power struggle between the faction led by former TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael and the interim regional administration led by Getachew Reda. This division has resulted in military realignments, allegations of a coup, and devastating consequences for civilians.
The crisis, which stems from the aftermath of the Pretoria Agreement, is further complicated by the role of external actors, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean interests. As political maneuvering intensifies, the people of Tigray remain caught in the crossfire, suffering from targeted attacks, arbitrary arrests, and renewed instability. This article explores the roots of the crisis, the military and political developments, and potential paths toward a resolution.
The Origins of the Power Struggle
The roots of the current conflict lie in the formation of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration following the Pretoria Agreement, which was meant to bring peace after two years of devastating genocidal war in Tigray. Initially, the TPLF leadership attempted to install Debretsion Gebremichael as the leader of the interim administration. However, Abiy Ahmed rejected this nomination, forcing the party to choose another candidate.
Getachew Reda, who had played a significant role as the TPLF’s spokesperson during the genocidal war, narrowly secured the nomination and was subsequently approved by Abiy. His selection, however, did not sit well with the TPLF’s old guard, which saw him as an outsider who might not fully align with the party’s strategic interests. Some sources suggest that the TPLF leadership sought to control Getachew while allowing him to hold the title of interim president, but tensions quickly escalated when he attempted to assert his independence.
The legitimacy of the interim administration was also questioned due to its composition. Although it was supposed to represent all of Tigray, it was dominated by a 50+1 TPLF majority. This exclusion of other stakeholders further alienated factions within Tigray and set the stage for internal power struggles.
Military Divisions and Coup Allegations
The situation took a dramatic turn when the military aligned with Debretsion’s faction and when Getachew Reda dismissed senior generals, including Major General Yohannes Woldegiyorgis, Major General Masho Beyene, and Brigadier General Migbey Haile. The Tigray Peace and Security Bureau rejected these suspensions, arguing that they did not follow institutional procedures and were an attempt to prevent action against criminal elements within the administration. The TPLF also condemned the dismissals, calling them illegal and a dangerous escalation in the struggle for control over Tigray’s military forces.
But, Getachew had accused certain military commanders of attempting to stage a coup against his administration. He claimed that high-ranking officers had been mobilizing troops since January 2025 to dismantle the interim government and overturn the Pretoria Agreement due to their siding with Debretsion’s faction. He further warned that military units loyal to Debretsion Gebremichael were working to destabilize the region by carrying out unauthorized operations in the northeastern and southern parts of Tigray.
Meanwhile, opposition groups such as Salsay Weyane Tigray have accused the TPLF of conducting a campaign of brutal domestic repression. Reports indicate that armed groups aligned with Debretsion’s faction have engaged in targeted arrests and human rights violations, terrorizing civilians under the pretext of restoring order.
The Seizure of Adigudom and Civilian Suffering
The power struggle turned deadly when military units loyal to Debretsion’s faction took control of several areas, including the town of Adigudom. Fighters from the Tigray Defence Forces Army’s 44th and 26th divisions stormed the town, seized government offices, and kidnapped the mayor and eight cabinet members. Residents reported to BBC of being hunted in their homes, arrested, and subjected to violence.
One of the youths shot by TPLF militants died last night in the hospital.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horror of the attack. One resident described the moment a man was shot near his house:
“The shooting took place near our house. First, I saw a man falling from a bullet. I approached him, saying, ‘Oh, man, he is dead.’ The young man was shot in the chest.”
Another victim, who survived an attack, described his ordeal:
“Five of us were shot. I was shot over the knee with a clash. They then hit me repeatedly with sticks when I fell. I am in severe pain now.”
Despite efforts by residents to organize a protest against the attacks and kidnappings, the militants quickly dispersed the demonstrations. Reports indicate that deliberate civilian casualties were inflicted during the military takeover, raising concerns about escalating war crimes in the region.
Getachew Reda’s Plea for Federal Intervention
As violence spiraled out of control, Getachew Reda, who is in Addis Ababa, called on the Ethiopian federal government to intervene. He argued that the actions of Debretsion’s faction were a direct threat to the Pretoria Agreement and urged Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party (PP) to take action to prevent further instability.
However, Abiy has remained largely silent on the crisis. It could be argued that he sees the division within the TPLF as beneficial to his broader political strategy. By allowing the factional conflict to persist, Abiy effectively weakens Tigray as a united opposition force. His reluctance to intervene suggests that he views the situation as a means to maintain control over Tigray without direct federal involvement.
Eritrea, which played a key role in the war against Tigray, also stands to benefit from a divided TPLF. If the party remains fragmented, it is less likely to pose a challenge to Eritrean interests in the region. An article by General Tsadkan suggest that there is an imminent war between Ethiopia and Eritrea and that certain elements within the TPLF may even be aligning with Eritrean interests. This might be to counter Getachew’s administration, further complicating the political landscape.
Potential Solutions to Prevent Further Escalation
The ongoing crisis in Tigray requires urgent intervention to prevent a return to full-scale conflict. Several steps can be taken to stabilize the region and protect civilians.
First, an inclusive political dialogue must be initiated to bring together all factions of the TPLF and opposition groups. The current power struggle cannot be resolved without addressing the underlying grievances of all parties involved. An internationally mediated process may be necessary to ensure neutrality and fairness.
Second, the military must be depoliticized and professionalized. The use of the Tigray Defense Forces as a tool for political maneuvering has only fueled the crisis. A neutral security force, accountable to a transparent civilian authority, must be established to prevent future military interference in governance.
Third, humanitarian corridors must be prioritized. Civilians could bear the brunt of a conflict, facing displacement, violence, and human rights abuses. International organizations must work closely with local actors to provide food, medical aid, and security for vulnerable populations.
Fourth, accountability mechanisms must be put in place to investigate and prosecute those responsible for human rights violations. Without justice, the cycle of violence will continue.
Finally, the mediators of the Pretoria Agreement, including AU, EU, UK, and US, must take a clear stance on the crisis. Their failure to act risks further instability, which could spread beyond Tigray. A commitment to upholding the Pretoria Agreement and ensuring, including following up on a peaceful transition of power is essential for long-term stability.
The power struggle between Getachew Reda’s and Debretsion Gebremichael’s has plunged Tigray into renewed turmoil, undermining the fragile peace established by the Pretoria Agreement. As military factions realign and violence escalates, civilians are suffering the most, caught in a struggle for political control.
If left unchecked, this conflict could lead to another devastating war in Tigray. A commitment to inclusive governance, military neutrality, humanitarian aid, and accountability is the only way to prevent further suffering and restore stability to the region.
