April 17, 2025
A change occurred in the Tigray region with the appointment of Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede as the new Interim Chief Administrator on Tuesday (April 8). This transition follows the conclusion of Getachew Reda’s tenure, who served as the region’s interim leader. The handover ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, was attended by several high-ranking officials from Ethiopia and international organizations.
Among those present were Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who emphasized the federal government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Tigray’s peace, stability, and development. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also attended the ceremony, along with representatives from various international organizations and diplomatic missions.
Tadesse Werede, in his new role, was tasked with overseeing a wide range of responsibilities critical to the region’s recovery and progress. The “Inclusive Interim Administration of the Tigray Region Mission Implementation Agreement Document” was signed during the ceremony, outlining eight key responsibilities for the new administration. These include facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), demobilizing armed forces, ensuring the rule of law, restoring public services, adhering to the principles of the constitution and respect for national sovereignty, ensuring political inclusion, laying the groundwork for participation in national dialogue, and promoting social cohesion.
The Ethiopian government has been closely monitoring developments in Tigray, offering support and resources to ensure the success of the transitional administration. This includes facilitating the safe return of displaced persons, supporting the demobilization process, and providing assistance for the restoration of essential services.
Getachew Reda, the former Interim Chief Administrator, served the region following the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement in November 2022. He was appointed to the role on March 23, 2023, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He officially stepped down as interim president on April 10, 2025, marking the end of his two-year tenure, and was appointed by Prime Minister Abiy as his advisor on East African affairs on April 11, 2025.