MEKELLE, November 18, 2024 (Tigray Mass Media Agency)-During his visit to Italy for the Cuamm “Doctors with Africa” meeting in Turin, Italy, Getachew Reda, President of Tigray Interim Administration, sat down for an interview with Avvenire, an Italian daily newspaper, to discuss the ongoing challenges facing Tigray. In his interview, the President emphasized on the urgent need for Eritrean forces to withdraw from Tigray in order to ensure lasting peace and justice for the people.

According to the report on Avvenire, Getachew acknowledged the cessation of active fighting but stressed that more than a million internally displaced persons continue to endure harsh conditions, with many still unable to return to their homes. He also highlighted the main challenges in Tigray including severe damage to health, education, and food security, with the war devastating agriculture and other economic sectors, leaving much of the population reliant on humanitarian aid.

On an Avvenire report, Getachew pointed out the presence of Eritrean forces in Tigray, stressing that under the Pretoria Agreement, it is the responsibility of the Ethiopian federal government to ensure their withdrawal and urging the government to honor its peace commitments. The president stressed on the importance of making peace with Eritrea, emphasizing that the focus should no longer be on war. He also underscored the need for an international mechanism to ensure justice, noting that peace negotiations cannot proceed without acknowledging responsibility for the violence committed, particularly against civilians and women.
In response to questions about his government’s cooperation with the federal government and the Amhara regional government, Getachew explained that they are working closely together, as there is no alternative for either side but to achieve and sustain peace.
As a concluding remark, the newspaper presented Getachew’s praise of Italy for its exemplary support, highlighting its cooperation in providing resources for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of hospitals and health centers, and the protection of cultural heritage in Tigray.