PM Abiy Ahmed’s Appointment of Getachew Reda as Ministerial Advisor

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s decision to appoint Getachew Reda the former Tigrayan interim president and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) spokesperson as his advisor on East African Affairs (with ministerial rank) on April 11, 2025, marks a significant political maneuver. This move follows Getachew’s ouster from the Tigray Interim Administration (TIA) in April 2025 after a power struggle within the TPLF, led by Debretsion Gebremichael, which destabilized the region . The article will explore detailed analysis of the implications of this decision.

Benefits for PM Abiy Ahmed

Strategic Co-optation of a Former Adversary

Abiy gains a politically astute insider with deep knowledge of the TPLF’s operations and regional dynamics. Getachew’s experience as a TPLF spokesperson and Tigrayan leader makes him a valuable asset for navigating Ethiopia’s complex relations with Eritrea and other Horn of Africa nations .

The appointment signals reconciliation to international stakeholders, such as the African Union and the U.S., who brokered the 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement. It portrays Abiy as a unifier, potentially easing diplomatic pressures .

Neutralising Internal Opposition

By appointing Getachew, Abiy weakens the TPLF’s cohesion. Getachew’s defection to the federal government exacerbates divisions within the TPLF, which is already split between Debretsion’s faction and Getachew’s supporters. Analysts argue this move allows Abiy to “monitor Tigray’s political movements” through a trusted intermediary.

Leveraging Getachew’s Popularity

Despite his ouster, Getachew retains significant influence in Tigray. His appointment could placate parts of the Tigrayan population weary of conflict, reducing immediate risks of rebellion while Abiy focuses on other crises in Amhara and Oromia.

Impact on Tigray

Some critics argue Getachew’s appointment will intensify the Deepening Political Fragmentation within the Tigray political landscape. The appointment risks further polarising Tigray’s political landscape. Getachew’s collaboration with Abiy is seen by many Tigrayans as a betrayal, particularly after his role in resisting federal forces during the 2020–2022 war . Analysts warn this could reignite tensions, especially if Debretsion’s faction views the federal government as undermining Tigrayan self-governance .

Some analysts also argue that such close up with PM Undermining the Pretoria Agreement. The peace deal mandated demobilization and inclusive governance in Tigray. Getachew’s removal and replacement with Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede (a federal appointee) suggest Addis Ababa is consolidating control over Tigray, eroding trust in the interim administration’s legitimacy .

Personal Gains for Getachew Reda

After losing the TPLF power struggle, Getachew’s appointment secures his relevance in Ethiopian politics, perhaps comes the era of his political survival. It offers him a platform to rehabilitate his image and avoid marginalization .

What would be Getachew Influences in Federal Politics? As East African Affairs advisor, Getachew gains weight in Federal Politics and significant role in shaping Ethiopia’s regional diplomacy, particularly regarding maritime access and Eritrea relations a noticeable shift from his previous focus on Tigray.

Abiy-Getachew Relationship: From Foes to Allies

War-Era Hostilities: During the Tigray War, Getachew was a vocal critic of Abiy, accusing federal forces of atrocities, while Abiy’s government labeled the TPLF a terrorist group.

Post-Pretoria Collaboration: The 2022 peace deal marked a pragmatic shift. Getachew’s initial appointment as Tigray’s interim president in 2023 signaled tentative cooperation, though mutual distrust persisted .

Assassination Attempt: While the Federal Government was at war with TPLF drone assassination attempt were made on Getachew Reda by the Fedral Army, tensions during the war were severe. Getachew’s current role suggests both sides have prioritised strategic interests over past hostilities .

Perceptions Among Getachew’s Comrades

TPLF leadership particularly Debretsion’s faction likely to view Getachew as a traitor. His alignment with Abiy undermines the TPLF’s narrative of resistance and could deepen internal rifts .

Tigrayan Public may exhibit mixed reactions. Some see his appointment as a pragmatic step toward stability, while others interpret it as capitulation to federal dominance. Social media comments highlight fears of “selling out” Tigray’s autonomy.

Federal Opposition on the other hand as some critics argue the move risks legitimising authoritarianism, as Abiy expands influence over regional politics. Hailu Kebede, a Tigrayan opposition figure, warns it jeopardises self-governance

All in all Abiy’s appointment of Getachew Reda is a calculated gambit to stabilise Tigray while consolidating federal authority. For Getachew, it offers political redemption but at the cost of alienating former allies. The decision risks exacerbating Tigray’s fragility, underscoring the precarious balance between reconciliation and power consolidation in post-conflict Ethiopia. The success of this strategy hinges on whether Getachew can mediate between Addis Ababa and Mekelle or whether it deepens the fractures it seeks to mend.