In a strongly worded statement, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has rejected Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s proposal that Tigrayans “email their picks” for the presidency of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration. The move comes amid growing tensions between the federal government and Tigray’s leadership, following Abiy’s recent decision to remove Getachew Reda from the interim presidency.

The TPLF’s statement dismissed Abiy’s suggestion as “absurd” and criticized his rejection of their preferred candidate, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, a key military figure who played a central role during the Tigray conflict. The group accused the federal government of undermining the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) and interfering in Tigray’s political affairs.

“The federal government’s continued political meddling and refusal to respect the will of the people of Tigray is a blatant violation of the peace agreement,” the statement read. The TPLF also accused Abiy’s administration of blocking the delivery of essential supplies, including fuel, and fabricating charges against Tigrayan military leaders.

The removal of Getachew Reda and the rejection of Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede have further strained relations between Addis Ababa and Mekelle, raising concerns about the future of the fragile peace agreement that ended two years of devastating conflict.

Despite Abiy Ahmed’s call for public participation through email nominations, TPLF leaders assert that the people of Tigray have the right to choose their own leadership without interference. “The Prime Minister’s inbox will not be flooded with nominations from Tigray,” one TPLF official remarked, reflecting the group’s defiant stance.

As the dispute escalates, observers warn that the federal government’s handling of Tigray’s leadership transition could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts and exacerbate tensions in the region.