Explosive Revelations: Mr. Getachew Reda’s Bold Interview Ignites a Critical Political Firestorm

The Diplomatic Impact of the Interview

The responses given by Mr. Getachew Reda—the former President of the Interim Administration of Tigray and currently the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Horn of Africa Affairs—in an interview with the international media outlet Al Jazeera, have become a significant topic of discussion among many parties.

It has been described as a major diplomatic victory for Tigray that Mr. Getachew Reda, while serving as a high-ranking official of the Ethiopian government (Advisor to the Prime Minister), appeared on an open international stage to state that a crime of genocide was committed in Tigray.

In the interview, after explicitly confirming that crimes against humanity and genocide were committed in Tigray, Mr. Getachew did not hide the fact that the war was led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This implies that Dr. Abiy Ahmed led the war that resulted in mass atrocities, thereby pointing toward his accountability.

Navigating Political Accountability

Many people were expecting a direct answer to the question, “Did Dr. Abiy commit genocide?” However, considering Mr. Getachew’s political responsibility and his current rank (as Advisor to the PM), it might be difficult to answer by explicitly stating “Yes! Abiy is a genocider.”

Related: “Tigray’s Territory is Not Up for Negotiation; Its Solution is Peaceful” – Mr. Getachew Reda

Nevertheless, utilizing the platform he secured, he called for international human rights investigators to enter Tigray to investigate and for the crimes committed to be made official to the international community. Furthermore, he conveyed a message demanding that the genocide in Western Tigray stop, that displaced persons return, and that the Pretoria Agreement be fully implemented.

A High-Stakes Testimony from Within

Even though Mr. Getachew is part of the federal government and an advisor to the leader, his exposure on such a major stage that genocide was committed in Tigray and that the war was led by Dr. Abiy Ahmed is regarded as a major testimony for the people of Tigray and the victims. This move is considered a decision that carries significant political risk, even for him personally.

Some parties observe that due to internal political divisions and grievances, Tegaru (Tigrayans) are not taking Mr. Getachew’s answer seriously. Opinions are being voiced saying, “He could not testify more than this that Abiy Ahmed is a criminal; yet we are hanging on to small words and arguing.”

Strategic Analysis: State vs. Individual Accountability

Parties providing professional analysis on this matter argue that instead of accusing individuals (like Abiy Ahmed or Isaias Afwerki), it is more strategic to hold the governments (Ethiopia and Eritrea) accountable for the crime of genocide. This is because individual leaders are transient; however, the government is a permanent institution. If the crime is established at the government level, it enables the country to ask for forgiveness, receive international recognition, and allows victims to receive legal compensation.

Contrasting Narratives within Leadership

On the other hand, the article recalls that while Mr. Getachew Reda was stating “The people of Tigray have suffered genocide by the Ethiopian government,” some former and current TPLF leaders were heard giving contradictory opinions. For instance, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael stated, “We didn’t lose one million people; I especially thank to Abiy Ahmed,” while General Migbey remarked, “The dead are just numbers,” and Mrs. Fetlework Gebre-Egziabher took the stance, “Do not say genocide was committed against us.” Therefore, an argument is presented that those parties who did not voice opposition then do not have the moral standing to criticize Mr. Getachew today.

Regarding the Pretoria Agreement, Mr. Getachew has an obligation to work together with the Ethiopian government. Especially as an Advisor to the Prime Minister, while he is expected to refrain from mutual accusations and warmongering, the agreement does not prevent him from exposing the crimes committed in order for it to be implemented.

Expert Insight on Political Sharpness

Eritrean political analyst Yosief Ghebrehiwet, on his part, admiring Mr. Getachew Reda’s sharpness, noted, “Getachew has not changed his stance; he is the only Tigrayan official among the TPLF leaders who accuses Abiy and his government of the crime of genocide—and this while holding the key position of ‘Advisor’ to that leader.”

Yosief explains that when journalist Mehdi Hasan asked, “Did Abiy commit genocide?” Getachew’s sharp reply, “He must appear in court and have his right to defend himself respected,” indirectly implies, “Yes, he committed a crime, and he should appear for trial.”

In general, while many are watching the interview, those with political insight notice the major diplomatic message surrounding the answer. Many agree that Mr. Getachew, being a former President and current Advisor, repeating the truth he spoke during the war to the world at this time, is an act deserving of respect.