Ethiopia names new Tigray interim leader amid ongoing regional fragility

By Sadik Kedir Abdu

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Ethiopia appointed Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede as the new head of Tigray’s transitional government, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Tuesday, marking a leadership change in the conflict-hit northern region.

The appointment follows the official farewell to Getachew Reda’s term as the leader of the transitional administration, with a promise of continued cooperation from the prime minister.

The decision was made after consultations involving the federal constitution, the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, and the diplomatic community. The transition of power was described by the premier as “peaceful and in line with legal procedures.”

Tadesse, who served as the deputy to Getachew over the past two years, assumes leadership as Tigray continues to navigate the fragile post-conflict period.

Tigray has been under a transitional administration since the 2022 Pretoria peace deal ended a two-year war between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

The conflict resulted in large-scale displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Despite the cease-fire, tensions and political uncertainty remain in the region.