Debretsion Gebremichael Faction Overhauls Tigray Interim Administration

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In a significant political shift, the faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) led by Debretsion Gebremichael has initiated a major leadership reshuffle within the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), replacing members loyal to Interim President Getachew Reda with loyalists to Debretsion’s camp. This move follows internal divisions within the TPLF and comes after a decision by the Central Committee as part of the 14th Congress to steer the party toward recovery.

The faction, which Debretsion's camp accuses of corruption and undermining party goals, was removed from key leadership positions in the Interim Administration. Getachew Reda, who had been serving as President of the Interim Administration, has been relieved of his duties as part of the broader effort to realign the administration’s mission with the party’s objectives.

The reshuffle impacts several high-ranking officials within the Cabinet and Zonal Administration, including Beyene Mikru, Prof. Kindeya G/Hiwot, Dr. Hagos Godefay, and Mrs. Almaz G. Tsadik, who were removed from their positions. In their place, new appointments have been made, including Dr. Abraham Tekesete as Head of Cabinet Secretariat for Economic Development and Mr. Amanuel Assefa as Head of Infrastructure.

Debretsion's faction accuses the removed officials of deviating from the administration's objectives of peace, reconstruction, and accountability for genocide, instead serving personal power interests. The reshuffle seeks to restore focus on securing peace and laying the groundwork for future elections in Tigray.

Getachew Reda’s replacement will be determined in consultation with the federal government and relevant stakeholders, the statement said.
This leadership change signals a critical turning point in Tigray’s political landscape as the TPLF failed attempts to recover from internal fractures while navigating the region’s complex post-conflict recovery process.

Full statement of Debrestion's TPLF:

Leadership Reshuffle in the Cabinet of the Interim Administration of Tigray and Zones

The Tigra People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has taken decisive steps to address the internal challenges within the TPLF. Following the Central Committee's decision, a mass movement involving the entire population, party members, and other forces was launched to steer the party toward recovery. This effort culminated in a legal and democratic congress aimed at resolving internal weaknesses as the TPLF enters its 14th Congress. A faction, which sought to undermine the party from within, was exposed and isolated early on during the congress, failing to withstand the intense political struggle.

The TPLF's successful efforts to implement the decisions of its 14th congress have led to significant internal reforms, particularly in leadership reshuffling. The party has been patient throughout, even as it faced resistance from a faction entrenched in corruption and national betrayal. This faction, previously using administrative positions to further its own agenda, attempted to derail the party and the Interim Administration by deviating from its mission. Instead of pursuing the established goals of peace, security, and reconstruction, this group engaged in actions that served their desire for power, committing a grave injustice against the people of Tigray.

The Interim Administration was initially created to ensure secure peace, facilitate reconstruction efforts, enforce accountability for genocide, and lay a foundation for upcoming elections. However, this faction abandoned these objectives, turning the administration into a tool for corruption and political conspiracy.

In light of this, the TPLF Central Committee decided on October 4, 2024, to remove the individuals within this faction from their administrative roles, effective as of October 7, 2024. These changes were made to prevent further national destruction and to safeguard the party's integrity.
Getachew Reda, who was previously appointed as the President of the Interim Administration of Tigray, has now been relieved of his duties. His replacement will be determined in consultation with the federal government and relevant stakeholders.

Individuals removed from the Cabinet of the Interim Administration:

1. Mr. Beyene Mikru
2. Prof. Kindeya G/Hiwot
3. Dr. Hagos Godefay
4. Mrs. Almaz G. Tsadik

Removed from the Zonal Administration:

1. Mr. Risqu Alemaw
2. Mr. Solomon Maasho
3. Mr. Shishay Meresa
4. Mr. Haftu Kiros

Removed from Agencies and Commissions:

1. Mr. Redae Halefom
2. Mrs. Seble Kahsay
3. Mr. Nega Assefa
4. Dr. G. Hiwot G. Her

Leadership Appointments in the Cabinet of the Interim Administration:

1. Dr. Abraham Tekesete: Head of Cabinet Secretariat for Economic Development Transition
2. Mr. Amanuel Assefa: Head of Cabinet Secretariat for Infrastructure
3. Dr. Fisseha Haftetsion: Head of Cabinet Secretariat for Social Development Transition
4. Mr. Tewolde G/Tsadkan: Head of Cabinet Secretariat for Planning, Revenue, and Resource Management
5. Ms. Birkiti G/Medhin: Chief Cabinet Secretariat
6. Mr. Yitbarek Ameha: Head of Technical, Vocational, Education, Training, and Employment Creation Bureau
7. Dr. Tsegaye Berhane: Head of Urban Development and Construction Bureau

Leadership Assignments in the Zonal Administrations:

1. Mr. Teklay G/Medhin: Administrator of Western Tigray Zone
2. Mr. Woldeabreha G/Tsadik: Administrator of Northwest Tigray Zone
3. Mr. Shishay Grimay: Administrator of Central Tigray Zone
4. Mr. Fisseha Haile: Administrator of Eastern Tigray Zone
5. Mr. Haile Aregawi: Administrator of Southeast Tigray Zone
6. Dr. Abraham Hagos: Administrator of Southern Tigray Zone

The TPLF calls upon the people, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and administrative bodies at all levels, as well as Tigray's security forces and federal and state governments, to support and be aware of these decisions.

Tigray People's Liberation Front
October 7,2024
MEKELLE