Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed an interim administration for the Tigray region. The government aims to hold free and fair elections within six months following renewed fighting with the TPLF.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Friday the appointment of an interim administration for the northern Tigray region. The move follows recent clashes between federal forces and a rebel alliance led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Abiy’s office stated that the interim government will administer the region for six months, with the primary goal of organizing elections.
According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, the new administration is tasked with creating "a stable political situation so that free and transparent elections can be held." The office listed 10 primary tasks for the interim government, including "free and fair elections" within the six-month period, restoring government services, and protecting basic infrastructure.
Anadolu Agency reported that the House of Federation approved the suspension of Tigray's previous interim administration. The new leadership structure is headed by Asefa Abrahaga Hagos as chief administrator. Other appointed officials include Tewodros Aregeay W/Selassie, who will oversee economic recovery and reconstruction; Brig. Gen. Gebretensae Whatna Haylu, responsible for security and peace; Redai Halefom W/Selassie, handling political affairs; and Shishay Amare, named mayor of Mekelle. The government stated that these officials will operate under federal guidance until an elected government takes office.
The appointment comes after the TPLF launched a major offensive against government forces on September 23. The rebel alliance, which included six other armed groups, initially made gains but was subsequently pushed back by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). Federal forces have since regained control of key strongholds, including the regional capital, Mekelle.
Abiy’s office stated that "repeated efforts" to resolve the conflict had failed and accused the TPLF leadership of not desiring peace, instead initiating the latest "devastating war." In a statement posted on X, Abiy said, "To attain the peace that has long eluded them, to secure their right to self-administration, and to finally enjoy the fruits of development — which have been out of reach for many years — the people of Tigray must break free from this cycle of conflict."
The renewed fighting has heightened tensions between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea. Addis Ababa accuses Asmara of supporting the TPLF, a claim Eritrea denies. Conversely, Eritrea alleges that Ethiopia is using the conflict to justify military action aimed at seizing control of the Red Sea Port of Assab. The Ethiopian government has also accused Egypt and Sudan of supporting the rebel alliance, allegations both countries have rejected.
The region remains scarred by the civil war from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths. According to the UN Refugee Agency, as of February, about 750,000 Tigray residents remained internally displaced. The area is also facing an El Niño-related drought.
The establishment of an interim government marks a significant shift in the governance of Tigray, which had been outside Addis Ababa's control and did not participate in the June federal elections. The success of the six-month timeline for elections will depend on the restoration of security and the return of displaced communities. The involvement of neighboring countries and the unresolved grievances from the previous war pose ongoing risks to regional stability.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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