Mr. Getachew Reda Elected President of Tigray Democratic Solidarity (Simret) Party

Addis Ababa, October 24, 2025 (FMC) — The Tigray Democratic Solidarity Party, also known as Simret, elected Mr. Getachew Reda as its president during its constituent assembly held in Addis Ababa today.

The founding assembly also elected Nega Assefa as first vice president, Haftu Kiros as vice president, and Seble Assefa as head of the party’s secretariat.

Leadership positions for the Control and Inspection Commission were filled by Mr. Gebrehiwot Gebreselassie as chairman and Abrehaley Abera as deputy chairman.

In addition, seven executive committee members and 31 council members were appointed.

In his opening address, Mr. Reda emphasized the need to safeguard the survival and well-being of the Tigray people.

He noted that the party has registered over 5,600 members, though many were unable to attend the assembly due to security concerns.

The party was established to peacefully counter the oppression faced by the Tigray people under the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Mr. Getachew warned that the TPLF continues to undermine peace in the region and across the country through coordination with external actors.

The assembly saw active participation from 256 members, who cast their votes during the proceedings.

Lt. Gen. Tsedkan Gebretnisae said the TPLF, a long-standing actor in Ethiopian politics, has politically exploited the Tigrayan population.

He praised the founding of the Simret Party as a reflection of the Tigray people’s commitment to peaceful, idea-driven political engagement.

Melese Alemu, Head of the Democratic Culture Building Sector of the Prosperity Party, who attended the inaugural assembly, highlighted that the Simret Party would contribute to strengthening Ethiopia’s capacity for sustainable development and future prosperity.