In a revealing interview with Ethiopia Insider, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, the chairman of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), has provided insights into the party's plans for the governance of the Tigray region. His statements come in the wake of the TPLF's 14th General Assembly, which was held earlier this week.
Dr. Debretsion asserted that TPLF "can appoint its own people" to lead the interim administration of the Tigray region. This directly contradicts the position of the current Tigray Interim Administration, led by Getachew Reda, which Dr. Debretsion claimed "cannot currently represent TPLF."
The TPLF chairman's remarks highlight the ongoing power struggles and divisions within the political landscape of Tigray. While the Tigray Interim Administration is currently in place, Dr. Debretsion's statements suggest that TPLF intends to exert its influence and install its preferred representatives in the region's governance.
Furthermore, Dr. Debretsion acknowledged the need for dialogue with the "stakeholders" involved in the establishment of the interim administration, which includes not only TPLF members but also Tigrayan military forces, intellectuals, and the opposition Baytona group.
Addressing the broader implications, Dr. Debretsion emphasized that the TPLF's ambitions in Tigray are not limited to the regional context, stating, "What we are doing in Tigray is not just for Tigray." This suggests that the party's actions may have wider national and international ramifications.
The interview with Dr. Debretsion provides a glimpse into the complex and dynamic political dynamics unfolding in the Tigray region, where the TPLF continues to assert its dominance and influence despite the ongoing challenges faced by the Tigray Interim Administration.
As the political situation in Tigray evolves, the responses and actions of the TPLF, the federal government, and other stakeholders will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for the stability and future of the region and the country as a whole.