Getachew Reda accuses former colleagues of seeking to plunge Tigray into conflict
Getachew Reda, former president of the Tigray interim administration (TIA) and current advisor to the Prime Minister, stated that the Eritrean government does not desire to engage in war with Ethiopia during the inaugural general assembly of the Tigray Solidarity Party (Simret).
The assembly took place on Friday, October 24, with leaders of various political organizations, representatives of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, members of the Prosperity Party, and other guests in attendance.
Getachew stated the conference could not be held in the Tigray region due to growing repression and instability, for which he blamed “an organized force operating under the guise of military authority.”
Getachew described a surge in illicit gold mining, corruption, land grabs, human trafficking, and theft, and accused members of the regional administration of participating in the criminal activity.
He claimed that these groups have weakened both the government’s capacity and regional stability in order to plunder gold deposits.
According to Getachew, who wrapped up his two-year tenure as TIA president in April 2025, Tigray is currently in the grip of power structures that prioritize self-preservation over public welfare and see the worsening of the Tigrayan people’s plight as strategically beneficial.
“The ruling party is seeking to plunge the region into another war, but we will definitely cease such movement by any means,” he said.
Addressing the strained relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Getachew stated that the Eritrean government “knows its capacity” and has no intention of initiating conflict or engaging in war.
He recounted that when Eritrean officials were questioned about their silence regarding Ethiopia’s military activity near the border, they allegedly responded that “elements in southern Tigray are acting on their behalf,” implying that any renewed fighting would begin in southern Tigray or northern Wollo.
“Tigrayan civilians would bear the brunt of such a conflict,” said Getachew, criticizing the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), his former party, for relying on foreign intervention.
“During the previous war, the United States pressured Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to sign the Pretoria Agreement, effectively saving the TPLF,” he said.
Getachew further accused the regional ruling party of exploiting internally displaced people for political gain and indulging in criminal activity. He advocated for a political realignment in Tigray, rejecting the TPLF’s divisive governing strategy, which he sees as favoring elites over the public interest.
He also questioned the present interim administration’s ability to effect substantial change.
“Our priority must be to guide the transition in an organized manner, establish a short-term transitional government, and implement the core provisions of the Pretoria Agreement,” said Getachew. “Afterward, we must concentrate on building a democratically elected administration.”
The PM’s East African Affairs Advisor also disclosed that the newly formed Simret party was unable to hold its assembly in Mekelle in August 2025 as originally planned due to harassment and intimidation, which he alleges has included office break-ins and the destruction of party materials.
Lieutenant General Tsadkan Gebretensae, former chief of staff of the Ministry of Defence, described the conference as historic, taking place during a period marked by authoritarianism, lack of accountability, and the absence of public participation in governance.
He added that the event was significant because it coincided with renewed efforts to restore stability in Tigray, reduce the suffering of its people, and amplify their voices.
