TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael Criticizes Tigray Interim President

In a recent interview with a pro-TPLF news outlet on the occasion of the TPLF formation anniversary, TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael made several statements that have sparked controversy and raised questions about the internal dynamics within the TPLF and its stance on the current political landscape.

Pretoria Agreement

One of the key points of contention raised by Debretsion Gebremichael was questioning the legitimacy of the Pretoria Agreement agreement. He asserted that the Pretoria agreement was not signed by any TPLF member, contradicting the known fact that Getachew Reda, a member of TPLF’s executive committee, had indeed signed the agreement. This dispute over the Pretoria agreement hints at internal disagreements within TPLF regarding their stance on broader political issues.

Concessions Made by Tigray Negotiators

TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael expressed surprise and concern over what he deemed to be significant concessions made by negotiators from the Tigray region for the Pretoria agreement. Additionally, these concessions include the formation of a transitional government and the demobilization of Tigray Fighters. Moreover,the chairman suggested that such concessions had led to internal divisions within the TPLF. The extent of these divisions and their potential impact on TPLF’s unified front remains uncertain.

Alleged Secret Alliance

During the interview, TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael implied the existence of a secret alliance between Tigray interim president Getachew Reda and the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abay. He pointed out that his candidacy was rejected when he was proposed as the interim president, while Getachew Reda’s name was accepted. This insinuation raises questions about the relationships and alliances between crucial figures within the TPLF and the Ethiopian government, adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape.

Interim Government’s Actions

Debretsion criticized the actions taken by the interim government of Tigray to stop a meeting of TPLF workers in Mekelle. According to him, these actions further intensified divisions within the TPLF. Moreover, the implication is that the interim government’s decisions contribute to internal strife, highlighting the challenges in achieving a unified stance among TPLF members.

Conclusion

These controversial remarks by TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael underscore the complexities and internal disagreements within the TPLF. The dispute over the Pretoria agreement, concerns about concessions made during negotiations, allegations of secret alliances, and criticisms of the interim government’s actions all point to a nuanced and multifaceted internal political landscape within the TPLF. As the situation unfolds, it raises questions about the future direction of the TPLF and its role in Ethiopia’s political landscape.