Opinion

Assessing Six Months of Getachew Reda’s Administration

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1 year ago

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By Dawit Kebede

The Pretoria Agreement, signed on 2 November 2022, partially ending the two-year-long bloody war, holds two significant strategic advantages for the Tigrayans and friends of Tigray.  But the Interim Regional Administration formed following the agreement has failed to deliver in most of the most important tasks. 

The Advantages

The agreement has brought much-needed partial relief to innocent mothers and children, who were the primary victims of the conflict. The cessation of open military conflicts is promising and welcome, although serious problems remain in areas still under occupation.

The Pretoria Agreement yields a second advantage in its role in prompting the dissolution of radical anti-Tigrayan warmongers. Fervent advocates for the eradication of Tigrayans (individuals like Adndargachew Tsige who were briefly leading a former outlawed opposition group and with  loyalty to the Eritrean regime, and the Eritrean regime itself) have split from others forming factions. Part of one of the factions has become embroiled in open and sometimes  large-scale conflicts with the federal government, marking a departure from their previous collaboration. The pivot towards confrontation can be traced back to the November 2 agreement.

The Interim Regional Administration of Getachew Reda

The Pretoria Agreement, Article 10/1, stipulates that an inclusive interim regional administration would be established through political discussions among the concerned parties. However, the practical implementation has diverged from this principle. The majority of seats are occupied by the TPLF with a few representatives of one opposition group permitted to take part in the new cabinet of the interim administration. This exclusion of four other opposition parties active within Tigray resulted in significant backlash and unsuccessful protest actions. This situation has created concerns and raised questions about  adherence to the inclusive spirit stated in Article 10/1 of the Pretoria Agreement.

When Getachew Reda assumed office, the majority of Tigrayans, both within the region and across the globe (myself included), felt a sense of optimism. There was hope that he would address at least five pressing tasks on his agenda:

  1. Urgent Return of Displaced Tigrayans: A top priority was the swift and safe return of nearly one million internally displaced Tigrayans  to their homes.
  2. Restoration of Tigray’s Territories: Another critical objective was the restoration of Tigray’s territories that are under  Eritrean and Amhara forces’ occupation since November 2020.
  3. Justice and Accountability: Many  expected him to ensure justice and accountability for the countless crimes committed against innocent Tigrayans  by both domestic and external actors during the course of the war
  4. Release of Political Prisoners: The immediate release of Tigrayan political prisoners that  includes political leaders and military officers detained in the aftermath of the November 2020 outbreak of war remains a crucial demand.
  5. Reconstruction of Infrastructure: The reconstruction of the extensive infrastructural damage caused by the conflict, including schools and health centers, was deemed crucial for the region’s recovery.

Tigrayans  had high hopes that under Getachew Reda’s leadership, these essential tasks would be addressed promptly, leading to positive change and the revitalization of the region.

Regrettably, as we speak, it’s evident that none of the five crucial tasks have been effectively implemented. The tasks outlined from 1 to 3 remain largely unaddressed. While some progress has been made regarding the fourth task concerning the release of prisoners. It is important to note that numerous Tigrayan veteran military officers and civilians arrested following the war are still not released.

The fifth and final pressing point, centered around the Reconstruction of Infrastructure, also presents a disheartening picture of unmet goals. Despite financial contributions from various regional states within Ethiopia, the impact on alleviating the extensive destruction has been minimal. The statement  released by Tigray Region’s Education Bureau serves as further evidence to support these claims. 

The Bureau acknowledges the challenges in bringing a large number of students back to school in the upcoming Ethiopian fiscal year due to the lack of restored schools. Furthermore, some schools are being used as temporary shelters for internally displaced people, necessitating significant efforts to prepare them as suitable teaching and learning environments.

Attributing the entirety of these shortcomings solely to the Interim Administration would be overly unfair. It’s important to recognize that addressing issues such as the urgent return of displaced Tigrayans, the restoration of Tigray’s territories, and achieving justice and accountability requires collaborative efforts of  various stakeholders.

For instance, placing blame on Getachew Reda’s administration for the presence of Eritrean forces within Tigray may not be entirely fair. The reluctance of the Eritrean regime to withdraw its forces is a challenge that necessitates involvement beyond the scope of the Pretoria Agreement, as Eritrea is not a signatory. The responsibility of pushing for the withdrawal of these forces falls on the Ethiopian authorities, including Prime Minister Abiy. In other words, Abiy must engage with Isaias in whatever manner and on whatever terms necessary, as this represents the key pathway to resolving the issue at hand. 

The role of Mekelle’s leaders in this context is to consistently advocate for action from Prime Minister Abiy and engage with international actors to liberate the occupied territories. Similarly, achieving justice and accountability necessitates a comprehensive approach that involves legal mechanisms, international cooperation, and diplomatic efforts to ensure that those responsible for crimes are held accountable.

Regarding the immediate release of Tigrayan political prisoners, there seems to be a more direct avenue for action that involves both Getachew Reda and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. A private discussion between them and Getachew’s consistent engagement could potentially lead to progress in this regard.

If Getachew was to actively and consistently engage with PM Abiy and advocate for the release of Tigrayan political prisoners, it could potentially facilitate positive change in this area. Collaborative efforts between leaders can often be instrumental in bringing about significant policy shifts. 

In conclusion, it’s important to address a few key points regarding the domestic challenges facing the Interim Administration within Tigray. A pressing concern currently is the security issue, which is causing growing apprehension throughout Tigray and including in the capital city of Mekelle. The prevalence of robbery and lawlessness has left people feeling vulnerable and unsafe.

A recent incident highlights the severity of this issue. A grenade attack on a busy night club in Mekelle resulted in five fatalities and dozens of injuries. Though the suspect is now under arrest, the alarming event adds to the unease felt by the local population. Additionally, just days before this grenade attack, a distressing incident occurred: a young lady,  Zewdu Haftu, was violently killed while attempting to escape from kidnappers who were trying to abduct her in broad daylight. 

The most troubling aspect is that those involved in kidnapping and robbery often employ vehicles without license plates for their operations. This complicates the investigation process, making it exceedingly difficult to identify the true culprits. The question we must seriously ask here is: why does the regional government permit vehicles without license plates to freely traverse the regional capital during broad daylight? Is it truly too complex to regulate this matter through the enforcement of the rule of law? Or might there be undisclosed factors at play? 

If Getachew’s Administration finds itself incapable of managing these internal issues, what basis and hope is there that it can  accomplish the aforementioned paramount objectives, including the repatriation of displaced Tigrayans, return of occupied territories, and the pursuit of justice and accountability for wartime transgressions? How is it conceivable that the Interim Administration  is unable to provide  security and safety to the local residents  six months after its formation? These security challenges are not only concerning for the security and safety of the residents but also they pose significant hurdles to achieving stability and progress in the region. Addressing these internal security issues is crucial to restoring a sense of safety and normalcy for the people of Tigray, and also to achieving the main tasks and objectives  discussed above.

Dawit kebede is managing editor of Awramba Times and a recipient of CPJ’s International Press Freedom Award

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21 Comments

  1. Davey McCrackett

    September 5, 2023 at 7:52 pm

    And there were a no budget. Does TPLF really think Abiy will do anything for them? Get rid of TPLF, put Tigrayan PP there and Abiy will cooperate.

    Reply

  2. Mikey

    September 5, 2023 at 1:16 am

    Thank you Dave for raising the main key points. The article is well written and articulated.
    Getachew administration couldn’t even provide a peace and stability to the people of Tigray so far.

    Reply

  3. Israel considers deporting 1,000 Eritreans involved in ‘riots’: PM

    September 4, 2023 at 6:36 pm

    Send Said Berhanu Mohamednur back to Eritrea, where he could be received with open arms and red carpet treatment, and for whom he kept his nose to the grindstone to please and appease the octogenerian dictator and his gang.
    He lives in the apartment at Atterbomsgatan 19.
    Said Berhanu Mohamednur previously lived at Rbyvägen 63 in Uppsala and Snapphanevägen 16 in Järfälla.
    He and likeminded people, sharing the same deadly perspective, should be deported and ensure that they set their feet in Eritrea and cannot be left here to enjoy the best of both worlds, both as refugees, spying for the regime, and attacking innocent people who fled the dictatorial regime on account of their political stance.
    Everyone who supports the dictatorial regime must be sent back, as one cannot be qualified as a refugee and support the regime at the same time.

    “At the special ministerial committee I (PM)established today, we asked for a few swift measures, including expelling a thousand regime supporters who took part in these riots,” he said in a statement.” “They cannot of course claim to be refugees. They support this regime. If they support it so much, they can return to the country of their origin.” Ref: GulfNew
    – — Deport Shabiya(arch-terrorist) Supporters——

    Reply

    • Letesenbet Gidey shines at ISTAF Berlin with fourth fastest time in history

      September 5, 2023 at 10:30 am

      Letesenbet Gidey shines at ISTAF Berlin with fourth fastest time in history
      Letesenbet Gidey shines at ISTAF Berlin with fourth fastest time in history
      Letesenbet Gidey shines at ISTAF Berlin with fourth fastest time in history

      ——Viva Tigray–

      Reply

  4. Eritreans supporting the regime would not appear to be in need of international protection as refugees

    September 3, 2023 at 1:57 pm

    Eritreans supporting the regime would not appear to be in need of international protection as refugees

    Breaking News: Israeli police fired stun grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd, while some protesters hurled stones (Shabiya’s savagery and primitiveness were exposed in action and remain intact regardless of its residence in a western country after being saved from whales) at police and set fire to trash bins.
    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to convene a special ministerial team to examine measures to be taken against illegal infiltrators who took part in the disturbances, including steps toward deportation,” the statement read.

    The ministerial team will convene tomorrow, on September 4, 2023, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, the statement added. Shabiya supporters will be sent back to help the octogenarian dictator, who is suffering from NDP in his palace.
    Shabiya supporters cannot stay in Tel Aviv while supporting a deadly regime in Eritrea. The Eritrean regime is causing bloody chaos in Ethiopia too, with countless displacements and killings of Amharas, Oromos, Gumuz, Tigrayans, etc.

    “”Although Eritreans supporting the regime would not appear to be in need of international protection as refugees, the authorities in Israel have not made distinctions between asylum seekers based on their political affiliations until now. ” BBC

    Reply

  5. A 2-year-old hidden crime has eventually been exposed to the public: Tigrayans have been hugely involved in a large number of sexual assaults against Tigrayan women and have killed many Tigrayans while Tigray is at war facing invaders.

    September 3, 2023 at 10:05 am

    Despite the fact that horrendous crimes are entirely believed to have been committed by the members of the Eritrean mercenary army, Ethiopian defense force, Amhara militia, and Fanno, there are considerable reports of sexual violence, robbery, and all sorts of other violent crimes committed against Tigrayan women of all ages that were certainly perpetrated by Tigrayans themselves. There are several accounts confirming this brutal fact. It is no secret that invaders have been involved in the majority of those abominable crimes perpetrated against children and women, but it must be recalled and should not be left undisclosed that the huge figure among the total reports of the crime rate is attributed to Tigrayans, who are perpetrators themselves against their fellow Tigrayans. It is a crime to strive to cover up crimes committed by Tigrayans and pile up all the blame on invaders. These crimes committed by Tigrayans must be exposed, perpetrators should be brought to justice, and families of victims should at least breathe a sigh of relief. In such a manner, psychological wounds inflicted on victims might be healed to a certain extent.

    Think of a member of a community that stands against its own community members, is involved in robbery, is transfomed into a sexual predator, kills Tigrayans of all ages to plunder earrings, jewelry, etc., and works with invaders while the community is ravaged by war and hunger and finds itself at war with invaders. The society is turned into a savage, uncivilized bunch of murderers and robbers. This same crime is also committed by wealthy Tigrayans who suffer from an unsatisfactory ego and starve children to death to amass a crowd of money.
    A 2-year-old hidden crime has eventually been exposed to the public: Tigrayans have been hugely involved in a large number of sexual assaults against Tigrayan women and have killed many Tigrayans while Tigray is at war facing invaders.
    Note: Tigrayan murderers and sexual predators committed a large portion of crimes committed against Tigrayan women, despite propaganda made by TPLF caders to save their face and help predators evade the consequences of their heinous act. These horrendous crimes must be exposed by all journalists and those who took responsibility from the public.

    Reply

  6. Hailay

    September 2, 2023 at 9:20 pm

    Good job. Thank you Dave.

    Reply

  7. Berhanu Haileselassie

    September 2, 2023 at 8:06 am

    Yes,the Getachew gov.t become in active so better to differentiate party and gov.t and then to participate the new generation.must change all the system in Tigray.

    Reply

    • Berhanu Haileselassie

      September 2, 2023 at 8:19 am

      The Getachew Reda adminstration must take courage to bring a clear change in Tigray.completely separate gov.t and party. He must put new individuals in most areas.he must take action on those individuals who participate in corruption and crimes.your main job is to safe the people’s security and peace if you can,t do this or incapable just ask for release. Otherwise your famous is nothing for us if you can,t serve for us.

      Reply

    • Berhanu Haileselassie

      September 2, 2023 at 8:24 am

      Berhanu great idea….

      Reply

  8. Tesfay G

    September 2, 2023 at 4:50 am

    I concur with the content presented in this article. Getachew lacks the essential traits of a leader, particularly the ability to take decisive action. While he may excel in public relations and possess strong oratory skills, these attributes alone do not qualify him to be a leader. In fact, he is often regarded as someone who prioritizes personal indulgence, similar to a pig, and places little importance on the well-being of others as long as he and his associates are satisfied with their own continuous consumption of food and drink.

    Reply

  9. Haile

    September 1, 2023 at 5:42 pm

    Thank you very much Dawit. Good insight is a realistic view.

    Reply

  10. Zerisenay Gebreyohannes

    September 1, 2023 at 4:00 pm

    Dear Dawit Kebede, your article has profoundly hit its point. Tigray demands a structural change as we speak. There are plenty of youth with untapped potential as you are and really need to be empowerd. Please keep advocating for real change. Thank you for your time dear brother.

    Reply

  11. Tigrayan thugs are killing innocent women, and they have been doing it throughout the 2-year-long war, blaming Fannos and Shabiya

    September 1, 2023 at 12:01 pm

    Getachew, the bootlickering of Abiy Ahmed, and his administration must step down. Tigray, under TPLF leadership, will still go through another never-ending struggle.
    At first, the TPLF is the mere reason why Tigray is going through all this mess, and they are not doing anything to compensate the people who fought hard to save the lives of these thugs. Enough is enough. Weyane thugs must step down!
    People are dying in broad daylight, and Tigrayan women go through unspeakable atrocities. Stop your propagandizing of blaming Shabiya or Fannos; Tigrayans are causing bodily chaos to Tigrayans. You do not like these comments, and you do not place them under fan, no, or shabiya to save yourself as a method of self-serving or confirmation bias tactics.
    Tigrayan thugs are killing innocent women, and they have been doing it throughout the 2-year-long war, blaming Fannos and Shabiya.

    Reply

  12. Kinfe

    September 1, 2023 at 8:11 am

    dear Dave.
    Your essay is truly captivating & well-articulated. particularly the five agendas you listed here should be the prior task of The interim administration in collaboration with FDRE & international actors.
    And thanks for your effort keep it up

    Reply

  13. Brhane

    September 1, 2023 at 7:31 am

    Appreciated

    Reply

  14. Samuel asfeha

    September 1, 2023 at 1:33 am

    Thanks David for using your platform to be voice for Tigray people!

    Reply

  15. Hayet

    September 1, 2023 at 12:21 am

    Great article. Thank you Dawit for exploring the key challenges, Getachew Reda and his administration is facing.

    Reply

    • Bisrat

      September 1, 2023 at 12:30 pm

      @Dawitawramba:
      Excellent work, please keep it up.

      Reply

      • Bisrat

        September 1, 2023 at 12:33 pm

        Tigray’s interim administration president, Getachew Reda,should not bear the sole responsibility for this agreement, as many Tigrayan IDPs and residents are suffering due to the presence of Eritrean forces and a lack of humanitarian access.

        Reply

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