Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday announced the appointment of Getachew Reda, former interim head of the Tigray Regional State Administration, as his advisor on East African affairs.
The announcement signals a new phase for Reda’s political career, as he takes on a key advisory role within the federal government.
Reda’s appointment as advisor to his former foe comes after his successor, General Tadesse Werede, assumed leadership of the Tigray region.
Nominated by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), General Tadesse’s appointment was officially accepted by the federal government.
This leadership shift marks a pivotal moment in Tigray’s political landscape, following years of conflict and change.
His two-year term ended in February this year. In view of the good rapport with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Post Pretoria Agreement Tigray, his term could have been extended for another year had it not been for the tension with the Debretsion led faction of TPLF.
A peaceful handover ceremony was held, attended by the prime minister, federal ministers, and other stakeholders.
In his inaugural address, General Tadesse outlined key priorities, including the repatriation of displaced people, the full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, and the rehabilitation of former combatants.
He emphasised the need to restore peace, safety, and the rule of law in Tigray.
The conflict that began in November 2020, when TPLF forces attacked the Ethiopian National Defense Force’s Northern Command, resulted in the deaths of up to one million people.
The war came to an end with the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement with support from the African Union, the United States, and the European Union.
