Tigray President Getachew Reda Denies Removal, Alleges ‘Life-Threatening’ Checkpoint Obstruction, and Accuses Vice President of Avoidance

UMD Media, March 17, 2025

Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), has denied reports of his removal and replacement by his vice president, Taddesse Worede, who also serves as the commander of the Tigray Army. He also raised concerns about a checkpoint allegedly set up by TPLF-affiliated Tigray army commanders, claiming it was an attempt to obstruct his travel to Addis Ababa. Furthermore, he accused Taddesse Worede of deliberately avoiding him and failing to communicate during critical moments.

Checkpoint Confrontation En Route to Addis Ababa

In an interview with Reyot Media, Getachew Reda described the incident, which he said occurred around 4:30 PM flight time while he was en route to Addis Ababa with his security detail. As they approached a new checkpoint set up, his security personnel questioned its legitimacy. Despite being informed that the vehicle belonged to the President, the guards insisted on conducting checks and calling someone .

Realizing the unusual nature of the stop, Getachew intervened directly by rolling down his window and questioning the individuals at the checkpoint whom they are calling. Upon recognizing him, the officer allowed him to pass.

Tensions at the Airport

At the airport, Getachew encountered no issues during check-in and boarding. However, after his departure, he learned that the army chief responsible for the area had arrived with a patrol of troops, demanding to know why he had been allowed to leave.

According to Getachew, the commander had allegedly planned to intercept him but was thwarted by the presence of federal police at the airport. He speculated that had an intervention been attempted, it could have escalated into a serious confrontation, given the presence of both federal forces and his own security personnel.

Accusations of a Coordinated Effort

Getachew argued that such a checkpoint could not have been established without the approval of higher authorities. He claimed that the military commanders involved would not have acted independently. Additionally, he said that an aviation security member had been questioned by the same army commander, who sought to determine whether Getachew was traveling alone with others, referring to members of his administration.

Although he ultimately arrived safely in Addis Ababa, he described the incident as not merely an attempt to obstruct his travel but a potentially life-threatening act, hinting at deeper political motives behind the move.

Claims of an “Escape” Narrative

Following his arrival, Getachew noted that supporters of the opposing TPLF faction portrayed his travel as an “escape.” He saw this as an indication that those behind the checkpoint had likely planned something more serious but had failed.

“Although my intention was not to escape, when their supporters called it an escape through media outlets they pay, they might have been inadvertently admitting the failure of their plot,” he stated.

Political Fallout and Accusations Against His Vice President

The incident has further exposed internal power struggles within the TPLF, particularly between Getachew Reda’s administration and TPLF-affiliated military commanders. Despite being suspended, four generals continued to operate in open defiance of his orders.

In the same interview, Getachew also accused his vice president and Tigray Army commander, Taddesse Worede, of repeatedly avoiding him. He stated that it had been a long time since they last spoke and claimed that Taddesse Worede had developed a pattern of ignoring his calls and evading him whenever critical issues arose.

As the situation unfolds, this confrontation highlights the deep divisions within Tigray’s leadership, raising concerns about the region’s fragile political stability. Whether this episode signals a broader power shift remains uncertain.