Tadesse Worede appointed to lead Tigray amid internal TPLF divisions and rising Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, on Tuesday appointed Tadesse Worede to head the interim administration in the northern Tigray region. This decision comes amid growing concerns that divisions within the ruling party could reignite a conflict between Ethiopia and its neighbour Eritrea. Tadesse has served as the administration’s deputy president for the past two years. He was also a senior commander in the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) during the war between the TPLF and Ethiopia’s federal government, which spanned from 2020 to 2022. That war resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions.

During the conflict, Eritrean forces fought in support of Ethiopia’s federal army. However, since the signing of the peace agreement that ended the war in November 2022, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea—historically tense—have deteriorated further. Analysts note that Eritrea was displeased with being left out of the peace deal, which permitted the TPLF—an organization it continues to view with hostility—to assume governance in Tigray.

In the past year, the TPLF has fractured into two rival factions. One dissident group, led by Debretsion Gebremichael, has accused the interim administration—initially led by TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda, whose term has now concluded—of betraying the interests of the Tigrayan people. Debretsion's faction recently took control of the town of Adigrat. While the interim administration has accused this group of collaborating with Eritrea, Debretsion's faction has denied the claim. These tensions have raised fears of a wider regional war.

Adding to these concerns, Eritrea initiated a countrywide military mobilisation last month, as reported by a human rights organisation. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has deployed troops near its shared border with Eritrea, though Prime Minister Abiy has attempted to downplay the likelihood of an imminent conflict.

Tadesse Worede, who analysts say has remained largely neutral in the internal TPLF division, has committed to eight key objectives. These include facilitating the return of individuals displaced by the war and overseeing the demobilisation of combatants. This information was shared in a letter released by the Prime Minister's spokesperson, Billene Seyoum.

Prime Minister Abiy stated on X that Tadesse possesses a clear understanding of both the strengths and the limitations of the previous administration. Abiy expressed confidence in Tadesse’s ability to guide the Tigray region through a delicate period of transition. He added, “It is my hope that (Tadesse) will seize this historic opportunity to help the people of Tigray realize their aspirations for peace and development.”