Tigray Interim President Holds First Press Conference After Term Extension

— The President of the Tigray Regional State Interim Administration, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, made his first public statement since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his term last week. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the President confirmed that he had recently traveled to Addis Ababa at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

In his remarks, Gen. Tadesse explained that he had been raising questions with TPLF leaders “since two months ago” regarding the future of the interim administration but had not received a response. He noted that the administration’s mandate was nearing its end and emphasized that before traveling to Addis Ababa, he had reached “consultation and agreement” with TPLF Chairman Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael.

Following the federal government’s announcement of a one-year extension, the TPLF issued a statement opposing the decision, describing it as a “sole decision of the federal government.” The party argued that the move was “a unilateral decision of the Ethiopian government without any bilateral political dialogue and without the recognition and participation of the TPLF, which is a signatory to the Pretoria Agreement.”

Gen. Tadesse said no successor or proposal was presented by the TPLF before he was summoned to Addis Ababa. Instead, he was told to “not accept power,” a position he described as “unacceptable.” He added: “It is your right to say ‘I do not want power; refuse’; but it is not right for you to say ‘refuse to accept power.’ I also do not accept this idea.”

The President stressed that the return of displaced people and the preservation of Tigray’s territorial integrity “must go beyond slogans.” He explained that the report he submitted to the federal government was based on the performance of regional offices.

Commenting on federal media coverage of his report, Gen. Tadesse said: “The facts cannot be suppressed, and the images presented in the report are recent,” while criticizing the media for failing to highlight the problems raised.

Among the issues he discussed with federal authorities were the return of displaced people, respect for Tigray’s sovereignty, reconstruction of war-damaged institutions, challenges in the education and health sectors, and shortages of medicine following budget cuts.

Highlighting ongoing difficulties with budget, medicine, fuel, and basic goods, the President stressed that “Tigray has not sat idly by,” noting that development projects are being carried out despite constraints.

Gen. Tadesse concluded his statement by pledging to continue working to resolve these challenges peacefully: “We will try not to lead to war in any way.”