Ethiopia’s premier suggests virtual vote in Tigray amid fears of renewed conflict

By Sadik Kedir Abdu

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged the people of Tigray to submit candidates on Wednesday via email for a new interim president, as tensions rise following the ouster of Getachew Reda by a faction of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

Abiy’s suggestion follows his recent parliamentary speech endorsing the interim administration’s leadership until the next nationwide election.

Getachew, appointed last year under a peace deal that ended a two-year war between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters, has reportedly been in Addis Ababa for the last two weeks after being expelled from the TPLF.

His removal came after a rival faction seized a key town and took control of parts of the region, deepening divisions within the party.

The power struggle within the TPLF became apparent last August when a key party congress was held without Getachew’s participation.

The split saw one faction aligned with Getachew and another led by longtime TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael.

In the months that followed, Debretsion’s supporters ousted Getachew, though the federal government did not recognize the move.
Getachew has since demanded federal intervention, accusing Eritrea of backing Debretsion’s faction -- claims that Debretsion’s camp denies.