Ethiopia has installed a new interim administration for the Tigray region. The prime minister’s office said the move follows a decision by the House of Federation to suspend the previous regional administration and set up a federally supervised structure.
The prime minister’s office stated that the people of Tigray must emerge from the agony of conflict to reclaim their peace, reaffirm their right to self-administration, and heal developmental setbacks suffered over many years.
Asefa Abrahaga Hagos takes over as chief administrator. Tewodros Aregeay W/Selassie will oversee economic recovery and reconstruction.
Brigadier General Gebretensae Whatna Haylu was appointed to manage peace and security. Redai Halefom W/Selassie will direct political affairs and mass mobilisation, while Shishay Amare has been named mayor of Mekelle, the regional capital.
The new authorities must restore essential public services, repair war-damaged infrastructure, and facilitate the return of displaced residents. Officials will also coordinate with federal security institutions and regional forces to restore order and encourage armed fighters to return to civilian life.
Federal authorities stated that the interim leadership must establish the conditions for a free and fair election within six months. The ultimate goal is to return Tigray to an elected regional government.
Until that elected government takes office, the new leadership will operate under federal guidance. The administrative overhaul follows renewed fighting between federal troops and forces linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which threatened the fragile peace established by the November 2022 Pretoria agreement.
Government troops and allied Tigray Peace Force fighters have recently expanded their control across the region, including Mekelle and several strategic towns near the Eritrean border. This fighting higher tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Addis Ababa accused Asmara of supporting armed opposition groups, an allegation that Eritrea denies.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Rubio warned against cross-border incursions and called for respect for neighbouring countries’ sovereignty.
The region is still affected by the 2020-2022 war, which caused widespread destruction, mass displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis.
