> Gov’t expresses confidence in new TIA head
> Acknowledges Getachew Reda’s service in stabilizing Tigray
ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has expressed confidence that the newly appointed President of the Tigray Interim Administration (TIA), Lt.Gen. Tadesse Worede, will usher in a new era of peace and development for the Tigray people.
In a message shared via his official social media page, the Premier yesterday stated: “It is my hope that Lt.Gen. Tadesse will seize this historic opportunity to help the people of Tigray realize their aspirations for peace and development—just like their fellow citizens across the country. In doing so, he can contribute meaningfully to Ethiopia and Africa as a whole.”
The appointment follows extensive consultations that considered the Ethiopian Constitution, the Pretoria Agreement, and inputs from the diplomatic community. These deliberations concluded that the transitional regional government should continue, with a new leader at the helm to drive forward the remaining responsibilities.
“We have peacefully and officially implemented a power transfer program—ushering in a new political culture,” Abiy emphasized. He noted that Lt.Gen. Tadesse, who served as Deputy to outgoing President Getachew Reda for the past two years, was selected to lead this next chapter.
According to the Premier, Tadesse’s intimate understanding of both the achievements and challenges of the previous administration uniquely positions him to steer Tigray through this critical phase. His new responsibilities include ensuring the return of displaced citizens, overseeing the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) of former combatants, restoring the rule of law, facilitating rehabilitation efforts, and preparing for democratic elections.
The handover ceremony was attended by high-ranking dignitaries including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, federal ministers, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu(PhD), as well as heads of missions and diplomats from various international organizations based in Addis Ababa.
On Monday, in a heartfelt address delivered in Tigrigna, Abiy publicly expressed gratitude to outgoing TIA President Getachew Reda for his service. He praised Getachew’s role in maintaining peace and stability during a highly sensitive transitional period in the state.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025
