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

Kulu Media: November 1, 2025 (October 22, 2018 E.C.)

Mr. Getachew Reda, the former President of the Tigray Interim Administration, provided a detailed explanation regarding the current situation in Western Tigray during an interview with ‘Corner Press’. In the interview, he emphasized that the issue is not up for negotiation and that its solution must be peaceful.

Territorial Sovereignty and Budget

Mr. Getachew affirmed, “Tigray’s territory is well-known,” and stated, “I will not put this matter up for negotiation out of fear of anyone.” He also clarified that the federal government, to date, has no doubts about Tigray’s existing map and that the budget for Western Tigray is still being accounted for and allocated from Tigray’s budget.
The Difference is in Implementation, Not Territory
Mr. Getachew explained that the main existing disagreement is not over the territory itself, but over the method of return and subsequent administration. “The TPLF leadership says, ‘I will enter with an army,'” said Mr. Getachew. “On the federal side, however, there is a belief that until trust is built to prevent genocide from happening again to returning residents, the area should be under the Tigray Interim Administration but protected by the federal government.”

Agreements and Future Questions

Regarding the Demeke Zewdu administration, he reported that an agreement had been reached for it to be dismantled and that this understanding remains in place. Although some leaders on the Amhara side claim it will be annexed to Gondar, he said, “As we have come to an understanding with some leaders, an agreement was reached that those who have settled [there] must leave, and those whose homes were confiscated must return.”

Concerning a referendum, he clarified that one will not be held under the interim administration. “However, after a legal government is established, if there is a community in Western Tigray that has a desire [for one], it can submit a request after an election,” he stated.

“A Lasting Solution is Only Through Peace”

Mr. Getachew sent a strong message, saying, “No land will be returned through war.” He elaborated, “You can return IDPs by force. But the maximum time you can keep them there will be 6 months. A lasting solution is found through peaceful negotiation and the agreement we signed. Blustering is not needed here.”

In conclusion, he noted that the “Good Will” that existed with the federal government has been diminishing due to a lack of cooperation. He urged, “We must now set aside our differences and cooperate.”

Follow us : https://t.me/KuluMedia