Mekelle, Ethiopia – Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, President of the Tigray Region's Interim Administration, has found himself at the center of a complex political storm, two weeks after his term was extended by the federal government. Recent developments indicate a significant shift in his stance, as he has reportedly decided to support the call for the "return of the old government," a key demand of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
The political landscape in Tigray has been marked by a series of high-stakes events. On April 24, 2026, President Tadesse convened his existing cabinet, a body he has yet to reorganize or confirm for continuation. He has also not disclosed his new plans since his term extension. This meeting followed an earlier cabinet session where TPLF-representing members, including Deputy Chairman and Interim Administration Vice President Amanuel Assefa, were notably absent.
Sources from Tikvah Ethiopia's Mekelle network revealed that high-ranking TPLF leaders had prioritized attending their party's "Return of the Old Government" meeting in Axum over the interim administration's regular cabinet meeting, which occurred simultaneously. However, in a subsequent full cabinet meeting held on April 25, 2026, all officials, including Vice President Amanuel Assefa, were present. During their regular session on April 24, the cabinet reportedly discussed and passed decisions on critical issues concerning land, mining, and water.
The TPLF, which was delisted by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), initiated its "Return of the Old Government and Council" campaign on April 15, 2026. This campaign involves a series of meetings being held from zone to woreda (district) levels across the region. Despite these party meetings often occurring during regular government working hours, no government body has intervened to halt them.
Initially, the TPLF had publicly stated its opposition to Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede continuing in his role following the federal extension of his term. In response, President Tadesse had reportedly asserted, "I will not relinquish my power amidst chaos," and continued his administrative duties. However, a significant turn of events followed. The President himself voiced opposition to his term extension, stating it was "without my knowledge." Subsequently, he traveled from Mekelle to Axum city, where he engaged in two days of discussions. It was after these deliberations that President Tadesse reportedly made the decision that "the old government will return."
This decision by President Tadesse appears to align him with the TPLF's ongoing campaign. Following his pronouncement, a one-day meeting of the TPLF's high-ranking cadres in Mekelle on April 22, 2026, reinforced this decision. The campaign has since expanded, with meetings held across cities and rural woredas on April 23 and 24, and the "Return of the Old Government" decision is now widely echoed across regional media outlets.
The situation underscores the intricate political dynamics within Tigray, where the federally appointed interim administration's leadership is navigating internal party demands and a broader push for a return to a previous political order. The implications of President Tadesse's apparent alignment with the TPLF's core demand remain a critical point of observation for the region's future governance and stability.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia