Mekelle, Tigray – Abadi Gebreslassie, the recently appointed General Manager of the Tigray Media Agency, has been removed from his position just 45 days after taking office, according to reliable sources close to Tikvah Ethiopia. The abrupt dismissal, which occurred on April 24, 2026, reportedly stems from allegations that Gebreslassie "obstructed the work of the interim administration by siding with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)."
Gebreslassie was appointed as the agency's General Manager on March 9, 2026 (Yekatit 30, 2018 E.C.). His removal was formalized through a concise, two-line letter issued by Lieutenant General Tadesse Worede, President of the Tigray Interim Administration. While the letter itself did not explicitly state the reasons for the dismissal, Tikvah Ethiopia's sources indicate the accusations of political bias as the underlying cause.
This development unfolds amidst growing tensions between the Tigray Interim Administration and the region's state-run media. Just days before Gebreslassie's removal, on April 21, 2026 (Miazia 13, 2018 E.C.), President Tadesse Worede had given a statement to the media. He subsequently criticized and clarified that his remarks had been distorted by regional state media outlets. Consequently, on April 22, 2026 (Miazia 14, 2018 E.C.), President Worede provided additional corrections and explanations to private media organizations, specifically Landa Report and Laza Tigrigna, highlighting a perceived lack of accurate reporting from official channels.
The Tigray Media Agency, which includes Tigray TV, serves as a crucial communication arm for the regional administration. Allegations of bias within such a key institution could significantly undermine the interim administration's efforts to establish stability and implement its mandate following the devastating conflict in the region. The TPLF, a dominant political force in Tigray, was a key party in the recent conflict with the Ethiopian federal government, and the interim administration is tasked with navigating the post-conflict political landscape.
In the immediate aftermath of Gebreslassie's dismissal, journalist Afewerki Gebrehiwot, who serves as the Programs Director for the TV station, has reportedly received a letter from President Tadesse Worede instructing him to assume the duties of the General Manager. This interim appointment suggests a swift move to ensure continuity in the agency's operations.
Abadi Gebreslassie's appointment in March had seen him replace Teshal Bekele, a long-serving figure who had led Tigray TV for many years, both before and after the recent conflict. His brief tenure and sudden departure underscore the volatile political environment and the challenges faced by the transitional leadership in Tigray as it seeks to consolidate authority and manage public information.
The incident highlights the delicate balance required in media governance within a post-conflict region, where perceptions of impartiality and adherence to the interim administration's directives are paramount. The allegations against Gebreslassie suggest a strong stance by the interim administration against any perceived undermining of its authority or alignment with specific political factions.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia