Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region, witnessed a dramatic shift in political control on Thursday, March 3, 2017, as members of the Tigray Forces aligned with the TPLF faction led by Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael seized key government offices and media institutions. This power struggle between factions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) underscores the deepening divisions that have paralyzed governance in the region, further exacerbating uncertainty and instability.
A Struggle for Political Legitimacy
The latest developments have intensified the internal power struggle within the TPLF, which has been divided between the faction led by Chairman Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael and the opposing faction under Interim President Getachew Reda. Amid ongoing disputes over governance, the faction aligned with Debretsion forcefully took over the Mekele mayor’s office and reappointed Dr. Redaei Berhe as the city’s mayor, despite a prior appointment of Ato Birhane Gebreyesus by the interim administration.
Mekele, a city with nearly one million residents, has lacked a functional municipal government for four months due to the ongoing power struggle. The consequences of this leadership void have been severe, with basic public services suffering disruptions. As political factions continue to battle for control, ordinary citizens are left navigating an increasingly chaotic administrative landscape.
Military Intervention and Takeover of Government Offices
The crisis in Mekele is not limited to political maneuvering. Tigray army commanders, primarily those who support the Debretsion-led faction, have begun dismantling the interim administrative structures across various cities and districts in Tigray. By taking control of government offices, they are systematically replacing officials appointed by the interim administration with leaders who had been elected before the outbreak of the Tigray war. This move is seen as an effort to restore the governing structure that existed prior to the war, rejecting the legitimacy of Getachew Reda’s administration.
The recent seizure of offices by military-backed political factions represents a dangerous precedent, raising concerns about the potential for renewed conflict within the region. The military’s involvement in political affairs further complicates the fragile governance situation, as forceful removals and reappointments continue to escalate tensions between the factions.
Seizure of Media and Control of FM Mekele 104.4
In a further demonstration of control, members of the Tigray Forces aligned with Debretsion took over FM Mekele 104.4, a key radio station in the region. According to BBC reports, armed members of the faction escorted in the new board of directors appointed by the Debretsion faction. The station’s employees have expressed confusion and concern over the sudden change in leadership, as armed forces now oversee its operations.
“They were escorted by Tigray Forces; they took control of the radio station by force. Now the army is guarding the radio station; the workers are confused,” a station employee told the BBC.
This is not the first time that an attempt to seize control of FM Mekele 104.4 has been made. In late January, a similar effort was thwarted when the interim administration under Getachew Reda intervened. The successful takeover this time raises significant concerns about press freedom in the region. The control of media by military-backed factions risks turning the radio station into a tool for political propaganda, further entrenching divisions.
Tigray Military Realignment and the Future of Governance
The political crisis has been exacerbated by the shifting allegiances within the Tigray military command. For months, Tigray army commanders had remained neutral in the dispute between the TPLF factions. However, their recent alignment with the Debretsion-led faction marks a significant turning point. This shift in military loyalty has provided the faction with the strength to dismantle interim administration structures and impose its authority over Mekele and other parts of the region.
The August 2023 TPLF conference played a crucial role in shaping the current landscape. The military commanders, recognizing the legitimacy of the decisions made at that conference, have openly supported the call for leadership change within the interim administration. This decision has directly challenged Getachew Reda’s authority, further destabilizing the region’s governance.
In response, interim President Getachew Reda has taken action against key figures in the Tigray military. He has suspended three senior commanders for allegedly undermining the structure of the government. Additionally, the head of the Tigray Peace and Security Bureau, Lt. Gen. Fisa Kidanu (Fisa Manjus), has also been suspended after refusing to accept the interim administration’s decisions.
Federal Government’s Response and the Risk of Further Conflict
As tensions rise, the role of the federal government in resolving the crisis remains uncertain. Getachew Reda has hinted at the possibility of federal intervention, stating that the government has ample justification to provide “any kind of support” to stabilize the region.
During a press briefing, Getachew Reda directly addressed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, warning against engaging in negotiations with groups that have exploited the Pretoria Peace Agreement for political gain.
“Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed should not negotiate with a party that has used the peace of the people, the Pretoria Agreement, and the stability of the country as collateral for personal and group interests,” Getachew Reda stated.
However, the Tigray Peace and Security Bureau has countered these claims, expressing strong opposition to federal intervention. In a Facebook post, the bureau warned that involving external forces in the region’s internal political struggles would only worsen the crisis.
“Any violent action in this regard will only lead to the problem shifting in another direction and worsening,” the statement read. “The people will not be happy.”
What Lies Ahead for Tigray?
The deepening crisis in Tigray underscores the region’s fragile post-war recovery. The power struggle between the two factions of the TPLF is not merely a political dispute but a broader struggle over the legitimacy of governance structures in the region. The military’s intervention has added a dangerous dimension to the conflict, raising the stakes for all parties involved.
With the interim administration struggling to assert control and the Debretsion faction gaining military and political support, the situation remains volatile. Whether the federal government will intervene, whether negotiations will be possible between the rival factions, and how the people of Tigray will be affected by this ongoing power struggle remain critical concerns.
As Mekele and other parts of the Tigray region continue to experience political upheaval, the need for a sustainable resolution to the crisis becomes increasingly urgent. Without a concerted effort to restore stability and governance, the region risks further fragmentation and unrest, undoing the fragile peace achieved after the two-year-long war.
