Getachew Reda’s faction is reportedly forming a new political party, tentatively named the Tigray Liberal Democratic Party (TLDP), marking a decisive break from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This development comes against the backdrop of declining public trust in the TPLF, which has faced criticism for its inability to effectively represent the Tigrayan people. The TLDP, rooted in liberal democratic principles, appears poised to tap into a growing base of disillusioned voters looking for an alternative political vision.
The TLDP’s emergence may not bode well for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who recently appointed Getachew Reda as his Special Advisor for East Africa. This appointment was widely interpreted as a strategic effort to integrate Getachew into the federal government’s framework and potentially curb any oppositional movements he might lead. However, the decision to spearhead the creation of a new political party suggests Getachew is charting an independent path, which could complicate Abiy’s political calculus.
Some have interpreted this development as a calculated move by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to weaken the TPLF’s grip on Tigrayan politics. By facilitating or tacitly supporting the formation of the TLDP, Abiy may be attempting to create a political alternative that appeals to Tigrayans disillusioned with the TPLF. Given the federal government’s unpopularity in Tigray due to the devastating war and its aftermath, Abiy’s own party lacks the credibility to gain significant traction in the region. A new party like the TLDP, led by a figure such as Getachew Reda, who has both regional and federal experience, could serve as a more palatable vehicle for influencing Tigrayan politics while simultaneously eroding the TPLF’s dominance. If this is indeed a coordinated strategy, it reflects a nuanced approach to reshaping the political landscape in Tigray without direct federal intervention.
For Prime Minister Abiy, the formation of the TLDP raises questions about how this new dynamic could influence federal-regional relations. While Getachew’s advisory role could have been seen as a move to strengthen collaboration, the emergence of the TLDP as a potential opposition force may create friction, not only in Tigray but also in broader Ethiopian politics.
Critics argue that the creation of a new party risks deepening political fragmentation in Tigray, potentially complicating efforts for regional stability and reconciliation. Meanwhile, supporters of the TLDP see it as an overdue step toward pluralism and political renewal, especially as the TPLF’s influence continues to wane.
As the TLDP moves through the registration process with the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), the coming months will reveal whether it can mobilize support and establish itself as a credible political force. Its impact on Tigray’s evolving political landscape, and by extension on Ethiopia’s broader governance, will be closely watched. In this context, Prime Minister Abiy’s relationship with Getachew will likely remain a delicate balancing act, as he navigates the competing pressures of federal unity and regional autonomy.
