Gov’t Will Dissolve Local Admins In Disputed Territories To Return Tigray IDPs: Getachew Reda

The federal government is preparing to dissolve local administrations in areas disputed by the Tigray and Amhara regional administrations as part of efforts to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the former Tigray Interim Administration (TIA) President, Getachew Reda.

More than one million people remain displaced in Tigray, more than three years on from the end of the destructive and drawn-out conflict that has left a massive humanitarian crisis in its wake.

Getachew’s comments come following a visit to Humera, in Western Tigray, alongside US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga this week.

Speaking to The ReporterGetachew said that the federal government plans to dissolve local administrations in the disputed areas to pave the way for the IDPs to return. However, he highlighted that collaboration is key for the proper implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.

Following the visit, Massinga noted damaged infrastructure, limited medical care, and a lack of basic services. He stated that while humanitarian aid remains vital, it does not provide a long-term solution.

The Ambassador also emphasized the need for an “Ethiopian-led, UN-backed process” to allow individuals to decide where to rebuild their lives.

“The US position regarding the return of those who have their origin in the Humera zone is that this should be done in a safe, dignified, informed, and voluntary manner,” said Massinga.

Ambassador Massinga also addressed the timeline and the transition of international support in a video shared by the US Embassy in Addis Ababa.

“This process will be carried out gradually. It will not happen all at once. But 2026 truly needs to be the time when this begins,” he said, adding that the United States intends to move away from emergency humanitarian assistance toward partnering with Ethiopia for future stability.

Characterizing the road ahead as “complex,” the Ambassador noted that the needs of the affected population must come first.

“The United States remains committed to supporting Ethiopians as they work toward lasting peace and stability,” he said, citing the role of the federal government and regional officials and authorities as key.

Getachew conveyed a similar stance to The Reporteremphasizing that the central message is the importance of resolving internal differences without third-party involvement and remaining committed to the Pretoria Agreement’s implementation.

During a recent media briefing, Tadesse Werede (Lt. Gen.), TIA president, stated that the return of IDPs is a priority that must be completed before the onset of the rainy season, which could be the fourth that countless IDPs will be spending in what were supposed to be temporary shelters.

While the federal government plans to dissolve the administrations in these disputed zones, exact dates or specific locations where these measures will take place have not been announced.