The rift between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray region is widening once again. On May 5, 2026, Debretsion Gebremichael , a historical figure and leader of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), was elected president of the regional parliament. This appointment marks a clear break with the central government and undermines the precarious balance established since the end of the civil war.

A challenge to the interim order

The election of Debretsion Gebremichael is not just a simple change of leadership; for the TPLF, it signifies the end of the interim administration.

1. The context: This transitional administration was established at the end of 2022 following the Pretoria peace agreements.
2. The break: By reinstating a Parliament dissolved during the war and deemed illegitimate by Addis Ababa, Mekele (the regional capital) unilaterally takes back the reins.
3. The speech: Upon taking office, the new Speaker of Parliament stated that "the Pretoria peace agreement has collapsed," placing the blame on the federal government.

Internal divisions and federal tensions

This decision is not unanimous, even within the Tigrayan camp. General Tadesse Werede , who headed the interim administration and was considered a moderate, openly expressed his disagreement, revealing cracks within the TPLF.

In Addis Ababa, irritation is at its peak. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed considers this parliament an illegal entity. As a reminder, it was a similar dispute over holding regional elections in 2020 that ignited the conflict, triggering a devastating war that caused the deaths of approximately 600,000 people .

Towards a new cycle of violence?

International observers are concerned about a return to arms.

"These incessant maneuvers by the TPLF could easily lead to a disastrous conflict."

— Abel Abate Demissie , researcher at Chatham House.

The TPLF in brief:

1. Past hegemony: Ruled Ethiopia for almost 30 years before 2018.
2. Marginalization: Sidelined by Abiy Ahmed's reforms and removed from the official list of parties.
3. Resilience: Retains absolute influence on the ground in Tigray despite the hostility of the federal government.

This election puts Ethiopia back on a path of instability, while the wounds of the previous war are still far from healed.