Tigray's regional president Debretsion Gebremichael speaks during an interview in Mekele, Tigray, , Ethiopia, 7 July 2021 -

Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ethiopia

Political parties and analysts in Ethiopia are deeming it illegal for the leader of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to serve as the head of the local parliament.

TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael was elected to head the restored parliament on Tuesday. The Tigray parliament had been dissolved under the peace agreement.

Some now say the move by the dominant party in Ethiopia's Tigray to restore its control of the region could lead to "disastrous" renewed conflict with the federal government.

"Debretsion being in charge of the presidency of Tigray, it can worsen the political and security situation of Tigray, generally at the TPLF," said Kinfe Hadush, the Chairman of Salsay Weyane Tigray opposition party.

"The election of Debretsion to the presidency [...] shows the structural failure of the TPLF," he added.

Analysts fear this move could restart hostilities with the federal government in Addis Ababa

"What we are witnessing right now in Tigray is that the TPLF has decided to reinstate the pre-war council, as well as to reinstate the wartime president, Mr. Debretsion Gebremichael. So, to me, this shows, symbolically and actually, that we are drifting away from the peace agreement," said Desta Gebremedhin, a Peace and Conflict student at Mekele University.

The federal government has yet to respond to the consequences of the appointment.

While still powerful regionally, the TPLF, which effectively ruled Ethiopia for three decades, was banned as a political party last year.

TPLF seeks to reinstate leaders, raising tensions in Ethiopia's Tigray

Suggested for you

More Stories

Court Stops NBC From Punishing Broadcasters Over Code Rules, Amnesty International Praises Ruling

IMANI Africa defends civil society groups in Supreme Court case against OSP Act

Ablakwa promises Ghanaian citizens in UAE support as Middle East tensions rise

Egypt annual inflation slows to 14.9% as monthly price growth eases

Biogas company aims to reduce bills, bush burning and pollution in DRC

Annoh-Dompreh sues Bono Regional Minister, media company over GH¢30m cocoa smuggling claims

Discussion