Debretsion Gebremichael, reelected as chairperson of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) during the contested 14th TPLF congress two days ago, stated that his group has the right to replace members of the interim administration. He also asserted that the group led by Getachew Reda can no longer represent the TPLF. However, he emphasized that initiating dialogue is the crucial first step to resolving the current leadership standoff.

“The interim administration is 50 percent plus one more is TPLF’s. We won’t tell the other group, ‘Since you’re not with us anymore, this will be effective starting tomorrow.’ What we will say is that the TPLF will be the one to assign the members of the interim administration,” Debretsion said in a briefing with regional media.

Saying that his group would not resort to violence, Debretsion stated that he would engage in discussions with all stakeholders, including the federal government, the army, opposition parties, and intellectuals.

The Tigray interim administration was established in March 2023, marking a key step in implementing the Pretoria peace agreement. Getachew Reda, the TPLF spokesman, was appointed its head by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

“The goal is to have a government elected by the people of Tigray. Are we expected to continue with the interim administration? It is no longer valid; it has expired. Initially, it was said to be in place for six months, then a year, and now we are approaching the second year,” Debretsion said in the briefing.