Two People Killed in Mokehni Amid Political Uncertainty in Tigray

UMD Media, March 16, 2025

As speculation continues over the potential replacement of Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) President Getachew Reda, reports have emerged of two civilians being killed in the town of Mokehni, Southern Zone, Tigray. This marks the second deadly incident in recent weeks, following the shooting of five civilians in Adi Gudem, one of whom later succumbed to his injuries.

Meanwhile, political tensions within the region remain high. Getachew Reda has suspended four senior military leaders, accusing them of backing a TPLF faction led by former regional leader Debretsion Gebremichael in an alleged bid to overthrow him and destabilize the region.

Amid growing uncertainty, Getachew has neither confirmed nor denied reports that he is being replaced by General Tadesse Werede, his current vice president and the commander of the Tigray army. The Debretsion faction has previously proposed Tadesse as their preferred candidate to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after Abiy rejected Debretsion’s own claim to the position.

With political maneuvering intensifying, concerns are rising over the impact of leadership disputes on the region’s fragile stability.

Update: The two individuals killed in Mokehni have been identified as a member of the local militia and a security officer assigned to an army commander.