Opposition parties in Ethiopia’s Tigray region are intensifying criticism of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), accusing it of monopolizing power and stifling democratic processes.
In a joint statement, the Arena Party, Baytona Party, and Tigray Independence Party condemned the administration led by Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, warning that it is exhibiting “characteristics of a military regime.” They accused TIRA of dismantling democratic institutions, suppressing dissent, and excluding opposition voices from governance. According to DW, the parties expressed alarm that the relative political openness seen after the two-year civil war is rapidly being reversed.
The criticism follows a sharp statement by Salsay Weyane Tigray, which denounced Tadesse’s newly appointed cabinet as “illegitimate” and dominated by a single faction loyal to former TPLF leader Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael. “This illegitimate cabinet is fundamentally incapable of fostering a genuinely open political space or creating the necessary conditions for free, fair, and peaceful elections,” the party said.
The cabinet reshuffle came after the resignation of Getachew Reda, TIRA’s former head, who was seen as a moderate bridge-builder before being ousted under pressure from TPLF hardliners. His replacement by Tadesse signaled a return to the TPLF’s traditional power base and sidelined reformist elements.
Opposition leaders are calling for greater federal government intervention to ensure compliance with the Pretoria Agreement and prevent further political exclusion. They warn that failure to foster a pluralistic environment risks renewed tensions both within Tigray and with the central government.
With growing accusations of authoritarian drift and political repression, the situation in Tigray underscores the broader challenges facing Ethiopia’s fragile peace and democratic transition.
