Ethiopia's Abiy names new Tigray government, wants polls in six months - Reuters

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Friday the formation of an interim administration for the northern Tigray region. The caretaker government is tasked with stabilising the area and organising elections that are slated to take place within the next six months.

The appointment follows renewed fighting that broke out between a rebel alliance and federal forces, reigniting a conflict that had previously caused widespread devastation. The renewed hostilities have revived a war that, between 2020 and 2022, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.

The interim administration will replace the previous authority of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which had controlled the region before the clashes began in September. Its primary mandate is to create the conditions necessary for a credible electoral process and to oversee the transition to a permanent civilian government.

Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the new government will focus on restoring basic services, ensuring security, and facilitating the return of displaced residents. He also indicated that the electoral timetable is intended to bring lasting peace and political normalcy to the region.

International observers have noted the significance of the move, highlighting that a clear electoral schedule could help address the humanitarian and political challenges that have persisted since the conflict’s escalation. The interim administration will operate under federal oversight until the scheduled elections are conducted.