By Staff Writer
Nairobi, Kenya — Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, who headed Tigray’s interim government under the Pretoria Agreement and whose term in office was extended last April, was removed from power by the TPLF. He is now reportedly facing restrictions on his movement and public activities after the TPLF removed his administration and took power in the region.
A meeting between Tadesse and U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, who visited Mekelle on Wednesday, was reportedly cancelled just one hour before it was scheduled to take place.
According to sources in Tigray, a senior security official suddenly ordered Tadesse not to make any movements or public appearances.
Although the general refused to follow the order and said he would drive himself, his family and security team, worried about his safety, convinced him to cancel the meeting.
He later spoke with the ambassador over the phone for about 20 minutes to explain the situation, according to people close to him.
The U.S. Embassy said Ambassador Massinga met with political and civic leaders during his visit to Mekelle. However, the embassy did not indicate whether he met with Tadesse or Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael.
Sources in Tigray told Borkena that TPLF leaders restricted Tadesse from meeting with the U.S. ambassador. The sources also said Debretsion did not meet with the ambassador during the visit.
Since leaving his position, Tadesse has mostly stayed home reading books and met people on his own terms and under supervision at his private office, according to sources close to him.
His movement and public activities are now reportedly further restricted.
The reduction in his security detail and the public nature of the restrictions have caused serious concern among his family and supporters about his safety and the possibility of further tensions in Tigray.
The developments come as the United States has imposed visa restrictions on TPLF leaders.
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Was the meeting cancelled by Debre or Tadesse himself? Lets wait to hear from Tadesse himself before passing judgement.
Meanwhile that country and the noble people of Tigray should be forever remain thankful to Brother H.E. Ambassador Massinga who has been working overtime to avoid another bloody and destructive war in that region.