The President of the Tigray Interim Administration, Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, has warned that delays in the federal budget are preventing the region from paying government salaries and maintaining essential services, posing a risk to the fragile peace established under the Pretoria Agreement.

Speaking at a public meeting during the Axum Zion celebrations, Tadesse said, “While the administration is making great efforts to avoid a return to war, the delay in the transfer of the federal budget has exacerbated the pressure.”

He noted that for the past two months, the budget subsidy for Tigray has not been disbursed, undermining the interim administration’s operations and the livelihoods of thousands of salaried workers. The shortfall, he added, has also led to cash shortages in local banks, restricting residents from withdrawing or accessing their own funds.

Tadesse Werede emphasised that while the interim administration will continue efforts to consolidate peace, sustained federal support is critical to ensure security and a lasting stability in the region.