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Postwar Governance in Tigray, Ethiopia: An Analysis of the Interim
Administration's Mandate
An Excerpt
Assefa Leake Gebru (PhD)
Mekelle University, Department of Political Science
September, 2024
Introduction
The Tigray war, ignited in November 2020, serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of
human dignity and the destructive potential of political discord. This war has unleashed a
humanitarian catastrophe, marked by unspeakable violence against civilians, widespread
displacement, and flagrant violations of fundamental human rights. Atrocities, including systematic
killings and sexual violence, best depicted as genocidal rape, have scarred the landscape, while the
deliberate dismantling of infrastructure has exacerbated the crisis. The repercussions extend far
beyond Tigray, casting a long shadow over regional stability and threatening broader geopolitical
upheaval.
The Pretoria Agreement, despite its inherent shortcomings, has achieved the critical task of
halting the devastating war paving the way for the establishment of an interim regional
administration. Yet, within this administration, internal power struggles have swiftly emerged,
particularly between leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)-between those
aligned with the party's headquarters and those engaged in the interim administration. This
political schism has significantly undermined the interim administration's capacity to function
effectively. Observers, including President Getachew Reda, have noted that elements within the
TPLF headquarters are actively working to delegitimize the interim administration, thereby
eroding its authority.
In response to these challenges, the interim administration has vowed to take decisive action
against criminal elements, including officials complicit in these subversive efforts. They seek to
implement administrative reforms to replace those covertly working against the interim
government. However, these initiatives encounter fierce resistance from rival factions within the
TPLF leadership, who appear intent on perpetuating a political conspiracy aimed at discrediting
the interim administration, framing it as a mere extension of the federal government under the
auspices of the Prosperity Party.
Reconstructing infrastructure and fostering economic opportunities are not merely practical
necessities; they represent moral imperatives that demand immediate attention. The rise of
lawlessness and the inequitable distribution of humanitarian aid further fracture societal cohesion,
compelling individuals toward self-defense mechanisms that threaten the very fabric of community
life. In this crucible of despair, rampant youth unemployment emerges as a catalyst for unrest,
underscoring the urgent need for a collective commitment to healing and the reconstruction of
a just society.
The Mandate of the Interim Administration
Regulation No. 533/2023, enacted by the Council of Ministers, emerges as a pivotal framework
aimed at cultivating an inclusive interim administration within the Tigray Regional State. This
regulation delineates the powers and functions of the Interim Regional Administration in Article
5, bestowing upon the chief executive substantial authority—primarily those powers traditionally
conferred upon the President of the National Regional State of Tigray, as articulated by relevant
laws. This authority transcends mere administration; it embodies the essence of governance,
demanding a profound engagement with the complexities of political life.
The chief executive is entrusted with critical responsibilities, including the meticulous
organization of administrative offices, institutions, and departments of the Interim Administration,
defining their respective powers and responsibilities in a manner that reflects the principles of
justice and accountability. Furthermore, the chief executive bears the weighty responsibility of
recruiting candidates from various legally operating political parties, thereby fostering a pluralistic
political landscape and appointing officials to administrative offices in consultation with the Federal
Government.
In this capacity, the chief executive serves not merely as a leader but as a coordinator of
governmental institutions, wielding the authority to petition the Prime Minister for the provisional
assignment of Federal Government personnel to strengthen the regional executive branch. This
role epitomizes the delicate balance between regional autonomy and federal oversight,
representing the region in forging essential relationships and cooperation with the Federal
Government and neighboring regions. In partnership with the Federal Government, the chief
executive is unwaveringly committed to the effective implementation of the Peace Agreement,
striving to cultivate an environment conducive to the conduct of legitimate elections-an endeavor
that underscores the paramount importance of legitimacy in governance.
The powers and duties of the Interim Administration are further enshrined in Article 15 of
Proclamation No. 359/2003, positioning it as the highest executive organ of the region, charged
with the vital task of leading and coordinating executive functions while approving the regional
plan and budget. Under the stewardship of President Getachew Reda, alongside Vice Presidents
General Tsadkan Gebretinsae, who champions democratization, and General Tadesse Werede,
who safeguards security, the Interim Administration stands as the highest executive authority in
the Tigray Regional State. Each leader is called upon to fulfill a critical role in realizing the powers
and functions articulated in Regulation No. 533/2023.
President Getachew Reda assumes the mantle of responsibility for structuring the administrative
apparatus of the Interim Administration, ensuring that the various offices and departments are
harmoniously aligned with their designated mandates. His leadership is pivotal in fostering
relationships with the Federal Government and other regions, facilitating the essential
cooperation necessary for effective governance. Vice President General Tsadkan Gebretinsae is
tasked with the noble pursuit of promoting democratic principles and practices, engaging with
diverse political entities to ensure that governance remains inclusive and reflective of the myriad
voices within society. In contrast, Vice President General Tadesse Werede is charged with the
paramount duty of maintaining law and order, safeguarding the well-being of citizens, and
implementing security measures that resonate with the overarching objectives of the Interim
Administration.
Collectively, these leaders are expected to operate in concert, fulfilling the duties assigned to the
highest executive organ, which encompasses leading and coordinating government institutions,
approving regional plans and budgets, and ensuring the effective execution of the Peace
Agreement-all while nurturing an environment conducive to the realization of legitimate elections.
However, the region is beset by formidable challenges, including security crises, governance
dilemmas, and pervasive societal concerns, all contributing to an increasingly untenable living
environment in Tigray. It is, therefore, imperative that these leaders act in accordance with the
powers vested in them by Regulation No. 533/2023, addressing the urgent challenges of insecurity,
social unrest, and governance with resolute determination and profound ethical commitment.
In the tumultuous political landscape of today, the interim administration has embarked on a
decisive campaign of law enforcement, aimed at confronting the pervasive misconduct that has
ensnared numerous officials, particularly those entangled in corruption. This initiative is
complemented by a strategic reconfiguration of leadership roles, aligning with individuals
perceived as allies of the interim administration’s overarching vision. Yet, these ostensibly
judicious measures face formidable opposition from the TPLF’s entrenched faction, a resistance
that threatens to destabilize the fragile political transition intended to address the deep-seated
security and governance crises afflicting the region.
It has become increasingly evident that the opposition leaders are not merely obstructing the
interim administration’s efforts; they are actively seeking to undermine its very foundation
through the convening of a party congress. This congress, unprecedented in its historical context,
encounters significant dissent from a substantial majority within the party, including the audit
commission, nearly half of the central committee members, and the vice chairman, who also
serves as the president of the interim administration. Furthermore, the federal government,
represented by the Prime Minister and the Federal Election Board, has issued stern warnings
against this contentious assembly.
Despite the congress being framed as a vehicle for the power ambitions of those entrenched
within the party’s headquarters, it is mired in allegations of lacking both democratic legitimacy
and legal grounding—an unprecedented departure from the TPLF’s storied legacy. In the
aftermath of this congress, the faction has sought to claim authority over the TPLF’s share within
the interim administration, a move met with staunch resistance from the existing leadership.
Amidst this struggle, both factions aspire to position themselves as the legitimate representatives
of the party. The interim president, alongside the vice president for governance, has called for
public consultation, successfully engaging with communities in regions grappling with urgent
demands for action. This outreach has galvanized substantial support for a political transformation
that resonates with contemporary needs. However, this momentum is countered by the vice
president for security affairs, who has issued a statement prohibiting such meaningful engagement
with the public, inciting significant public resentment.
For many observers and the regional populace, the stance of the vice president for security affairs
is perceived as an authoritarian decree, setting a troubling precedent for the region and the
broader Horn of Africa. This unfolding situation compels us to ponder the profound implications
of political authority, governance, and the ethical responsibilities of leadership during times of
crisis, as the struggle for power unfolds against a backdrop of a society yearning for justice and
stability.