Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed suggested a virtual vote for a new interim president in Tigray after Getachew Reda was ousted by a rival TPLF faction. Getachew, who has been in Addis Ababa for two weeks, called for federal intervention and accused Eritrea of supporting Debretsion Gebremichael’s faction, leading to notable internal divisions within the TPLF and broader concerns over renewed conflict.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on the populace of Tigray to submit candidates for a new interim president via email, amidst escalating tensions following the removal of Getachew Reda from his position. This initiative was announced after Abiy’s parliamentary address underscoring his support for the interim administration until the forthcoming nationwide elections.
Getachew, who was appointed under a peace agreement concluding a two-year conflict between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters, has reportedly been in Addis Ababa for two weeks following his expulsion from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). His ousting was triggered by a rival faction’s seizure of a key town, leading to further rifts within the party.
The internal conflict within the TPLF emerged in August when a significant party congress occurred without Getachew’s involvement. This division has resulted in one faction supporting Getachew, while another, led by Debretsion Gebremichael, has gained traction. In subsequent months, Debretsion’s faction managed to expel Getachew, although the federal government has not acknowledged this shift in power. Getachew has since called for federal intervention and has accused Eritrea of supporting Debretsion’s faction, which Debretsion’s team has refuted.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s proposal for a virtual vote amidst rising tensions in Tigray highlights the ongoing political instability following Getachew Reda’s ousting from the TPLF. The internal power struggle and accusations of external interference underscore the complexities facing Ethiopia as the nation approaches its next elections. The situation remains fluid, warranting continued observation and analysis.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
