Abiy Asks Tigrayans to Submit Interim President Candidates by Email Amid Political Rift

GO – Addis Ababa – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday urged residents of the Tigray region to submit names of candidates for a new interim regional president via email, following the controversial ousting of Getachew Reda by a faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

The call came shortly after Abiy addressed Parliament, affirming that an interim administration would continue to govern Tigray until national elections are held. He emphasized the need for political stability and institutional legitimacy, as internal divisions deepen within the ruling regional party.

Getachew Reda, appointed last year as interim president under the peace agreement that ended a brutal two-year conflict between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters, is reportedly in Addis Ababa, where he has remained for the past two weeks after being removed from office by rival TPLF members. The federal government has not formally recognized the move, nor commented on his current status.

The TPLF’s internal power struggle became public in August 2024 when a major party congress was held in Mekelle without Getachew’s participation. Since then, two competing factions have emerged — one aligned with Getachew, the other backing veteran party leader Debretsion Gebremichael.

Last month, forces loyal to Debretsion reportedly seized control of strategic towns in Tigray, further consolidating their political dominance. This shift led to Getachew’s removal and triggered a renewed crisis within the party, with national implications.

Getachew has called on the federal government to intervene and has accused Eritrea of supporting Debretsion’s faction — allegations that Debretsion’s camp has publicly denied. Local reports suggest that regional security forces may now be split in their loyalties, raising fears of instability and the potential collapse of the peace process.

Abiy’s email-based call for public participation in selecting the next interim president is being seen as a bid to calm tensions and offer a path toward inclusive governance. However, critics have questioned the transparency and legitimacy of such a method, especially amid an unresolved leadership crisis.

The federal government has yet to confirm when a new interim president will be appointed. Sources close to the administration say Abiy is pushing for a consensus candidate who can serve as a neutral figure above the warring factions.

Garowe Online – Addis Ababa