MEKELLE — United States Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Masinga is expected to return to Mekelle next Wednesday, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the planned visit, in a trip that comes amid heightened political tensions in Tigray.
The visit follows Ambassador Masinga’s recent trip to Mekelle last week, where he met TPLF officials, religious leaders and representatives of civil society to discuss efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging peaceful dialogue.
Diplomatic sources told Horn News Hub that the ambassador is expected to hold additional meetings during his upcoming visit. Although the agenda has not been officially announced, sources said it is possible that Ambassador Masinga could seek a meeting with Tigray Interim Regional Administration President Tadese Werede.
The reported possibility of such a meeting comes after allegations that Tadese Werede was unable to meet the ambassador during his previous visit to Mekelle despite what sources described as a Tadese Werede’s movements had been restricted, allegations that have not been independently verified
The sources said Tades’s movement has been restricted and that he was prevented from meeting United States Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Masinga during the ambassador’s visit to Mekelle on Wednesday, despite a previously scheduled meeting.
The political standoff over Tadese Werede’s position has intensified in recent months following the TPLF’s rejection of the federal government’s decision to extend the mandate of the Interim Regional Administration established under the 2022 Pretoria Agreement. The TPLF has argued that the extension lacked legal basis under the peace agreement, while the federal government has maintained its support for the interim administration.
Ambassador Masinga’s expected return is likely to be closely watched by both regional and federal stakeholders, as well as international partners monitoring implementation of the Pretoria peace process. Any meeting with Tadese Werede would be viewed as a significant diplomatic engagement amid continuing uncertainty over the region’s political leadership.
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa has publicly confirmed the ambassador’s itinerary or any planned meeting with Tadese Werede.
This is a developing story. Horn News Hub will provide updates as more information becomes available.
