Mekele, January 24, 2025 — The senior leaders of the Tigray Army have announced their decision to reorganize the interim administration, describing the current administration as “weakened,” similar to the decision made by the TPLF. The announcement was made in a statement released on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Mekele following several days of meetings.

The leaders argued that the interim administration of Tigray, established according to the Pretoria agreement, had not fulfilled its responsibilities properly and had “been used by others.” They stated that the interim administration’s leaders and members who held key powers had turned away from the interests of the people and become tools of foreign powers by betraying the people’s trust.

The interim administration led by Getachew Reda had been accused the TPLF led by Dr. Debretsion of creating obstacles in carrying out their work effectively. The military leadership’s statement indicated that the TPLF, held its 14th congress, supports the previous decision and has given their recognition.

The statement focused on the “weaknesses” of Tigray’s interim administration, accusing it of attempting to extend its tenure. They also called for strengthening the ‘weakened’ and ‘forgotten mission’ of Tigray’s interim administration, stressing the need for leadership changes.

In accordance with the 14th congress of the TPLF held in August last year, they called for a change in the leadership of the interim administration based on the congress’s decisions.

Dr. Debretsion, who was re-elected as chairman during the conference, recently stated, ‘The TPLF is the signatory of the Pretoria agreement. Since the TPLF’s share of the interim administration of Tigray is more than 50 percent, we can replace our representatives in our position.

The army leadership’s statement also highlighted the current political situation in Tigray, described by localism and provincialism attitudes, and criticized the leadership’s failure to address the people’s interests, which has led to violence.

The statement also blamed the media in the Tigray region for serving the personal interests of individual politicians and becoming a “tool of foreign forces.” The military leaders, echoing the same position in their meeting, expressed support for “the immediate implementation of the TPLF’s decision to improve the Interim administration of Tigray.”

They announced that they had evaluated the cabinet members of the interim administration on behalf of the army and decided to replace those deemed “untrustworthy.” They described the interim administration as “treasonous” for failing to prevent a smear campaign against the army.

In their response, the army leaders stated that they would hold those involved in illegal activities accountable by law “regardless of their responsibility.” They added that the problem in Tigray “requires a political solution” and is “not beyond the capabilities of the Tigray army,” asserting that they would not accept any external intervention.

Meanwhile, the interim administration led by Getachew and the TPLF led by Dr. Debretsion have been in conflict for the past few months, with the TPLF, which held its 14th congress, repeatedly calling for the re-organization of the interim administration.