Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
“Tigray at a Turning Point: Between Strategic Survival and the Struggle for Democratic Renewal”
By Tekie Hagos
Tigray stands at a pivotal juncture in its recent history—a moment marked by deep uncertainty, but also by emerging possibilities. The promises made in the Pretoria Peace Agreement—disarmament, the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the withdrawal of foreign forces, and restoration of constitutional order—remain largely unfulfilled. The suffering continues, and many are asking: What comes next?
In the midst of this delicate transition, major developments are unfolding in Tigray’s political landscape. The leadership of the Tigray Interim Regional Government has shifted from Getachew Reda to General Tadesse Worede, the highly respected former commander of the Tigrayan Defense Forces (TDF). This change occurred during a time of rising political tension, economic despair, and disillusionment within the region. At the same time, Getachew Reda has taken a bold and controversial step: he has accepted a position as Ministerial Advisor on East African Affairs to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and is in the process of establishing a new political party, the Tigray Liberal Democracy Party (TLDP).
This move has sparked debate—but it deserves nuanced understanding.
A Calculated Risk Amid Growing Danger
Getachew’s decision to travel to Addis Ababa and engage directly with Prime Minister Abiy was not made in haste or for personal gain. It came during a time when the political atmosphere in Mekelle had grown tense, uncertain, and unsafe, particularly for those seeking reform within a polarized environment. Confronted with factionalism and a stagnant peace process, Getachew accepted the offer to work at the federal level, believing that direct access to decision-making could be strategically leveraged to influence the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement before regional dynamics close the window of opportunity.
Indeed, the Horn of Africa is shifting rapidly. Abiy Ahmed’s grip on power is weakening as domestic and regional pressures mount—from rising ethnic unrest in Amhara and Oromia to growing international scrutiny. Getachew’s proximity to power in Addis may give Tigray a voice inside the federal structure at a time when strategic decisions are being made behind closed doors. Far from abandoning Tigray, he appears to be playing a long game—one that could help secure concessions, accelerate the return of IDPs, and shield Tigray from being sidelined in future geopolitical realignments
A New Political Movement: Tigray Liberal Democracy Party
In tandem with his federal role, Getachew Reda is forming the Tigray Liberal Democracy Party (TLDP)—a political platform that aims to offer Tigrayans an alternative vision of governance rooted in pluralism, accountability, and reform. The TLDP aspires to challenge the status quo, opening the political space to younger generations, war survivors, displaced persons, and civil society actors who feel excluded from the existing power structure.
This effort may be Tigray’s best opportunity to break free from entrenched party dominance and authoritarian habits. The formation of TLDP reflects a critical shift: the move from military-led governance to civilian-led democratic renewal. It opens space for political discourse that does not rely solely on wartime legitimacy but on visions of peace, reconstruction, and responsible leadership.
The Eritrean Factor: Rejecting Dangerous Alliances
Meanwhile, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki is reportedly attempting to exploit Tigray’s vulnerability, proposing an alliance with Tigray to weaken or topple Abiy. This must be unequivocally rejected. The Eritrean regime was a primary perpetrator of the atrocities committed during the war on Tigray, and any alliance—however tactical—would betray the memory of the victims and undermine Tigray’s moral standing.
Tigray must not trade one form of domination for another. It must resist manipulation from any external force, including Eritrea, and instead focus on internal unity, justice, and genuine self-determination.
The Path Forward: Reconciliation, Reform, and Strategic Resolve
Tigray’s strength will come from a balanced approach that combines internal unity with external diplomacy, principled politics with practical strategy. The region must:
Support inclusive political development, including the emergence of new parties like TLDP that aim to represent a broader cross-section of society.
Push unwaveringly for full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, including the return of Western Tigray and the repatriation of IDPs.
Remain vigilant against both internal power consolidation and foreign manipulation, especially from Eritrea.
Engage the diaspora and civil society in shaping a shared political vision that puts people, not parties, at the center.
Conclusion: A Moment of Choice
This is not a time for cynicism or despair. Tigray is once again being tested—but this time, it is not only external enemies that must be confronted, but also old habits of exclusion, factionalism, and unchecked power. The emergence of Getachew Reda’s new political direction—combining federal engagement with democratic renewal—offers a new, albeit controversial, path forward.
Time is short. Tigray must act with clarity, discipline, and courage. The battle now is not just for land or power—it is for the soul of a people who have endured immense suffering and demand a future rooted in dignity, justice, and hope.
