Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, the Interim President of the Tigray Regional Administration, held a high-level meeting with his existing cabinet members on Monday, marking a significant moment in the region's ongoing political transition. The meeting took place exactly two weeks after the President’s mandate was officially extended for a second term, a move intended to provide continuity during a sensitive period for the northern Ethiopian region.
Despite the extension of his leadership, Lt. Gen. Tadesse has yet to announce the formation of a new cabinet or clarify whether the current members will remain in their positions permanently. Since his term was renewed, the President has been active in the public eye, conducting three separate press briefings to address various regional concerns. However, he has remained tight-lipped regarding his specific plans for administrative restructuring or the long-term strategic roadmap for his second term.
The current cabinet, often referred to as the "old" or "existing" cabinet, has been serving since the establishment of the Interim Regional Administration (IRA). The IRA was a critical outcome of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) signed in Pretoria, South Africa, in November 2022. This agreement ended two years of devastating conflict between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
The role of the Interim Administration is multifaceted, tasked with overseeing the restoration of basic services, facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and managing the complex process of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR). The political landscape in Tigray remains intricate, as the administration navigates internal party dynamics within the TPLF and coordinates with the federal government in Addis Ababa to ensure the full implementation of the peace treaty.
Observers and residents in the region are closely monitoring these administrative developments. The delay in announcing a new cabinet or a definitive policy direction has led to various speculations regarding the internal consensus within the regional leadership. As Tigray continues its path toward recovery and reconstruction, the stability and clarity of its governance remain paramount.
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, a veteran military figure who played a prominent role during the conflict, has transitioned into a pivotal political role. His ability to maintain administrative cohesion while addressing the humanitarian and economic needs of the region will be a defining feature of this second term. For now, the regional government continues to operate under the existing framework, awaiting further directives from the President’s office.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia