OMM Newsroom
Ethiopia’s government has appointed a new interim administration for the northern Tigray region, giving it six months to restore stability, rebuild public institutions and organize elections following renewed fighting.
“The people of Tigray must emerge from the agony of conflict to reclaim their distant peace, reaffirm their right to self-administration, and be able to heal the developmental setbacks they have suffered over the many past years,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement on Friday.
The government said the House of Federation had approved the suspension of Tigray’s previous interim administration, clearing the way for a new leadership structure under federal supervision.
Asefa Abrahaga Hagos will lead the new administration as chief administrator. Tewodros Aregeay W/Selassie will oversee economic recovery and reconstruction, while Brig. Gen. Gebretensae Whatna Haylu will be responsible for security and peace. Redai Halefom W/Selassie was appointed to handle political affairs and mass mobilization, and Shishay Amare was named mayor of Mekelle, the regional capital.
The administration is tasked with restoring essential public services, repairing infrastructure damaged by war, facilitating the return of displaced residents and preparing the region for elections.
The government said the interim authorities must create conditions for a “free and fair election” within six months, with the aim of returning Tigray to an elected regional government. The administration will also coordinate with federal security institutions and regional forces to restore security, encourage armed fighters to return to civilian life and support reconstruction.
Addis Ababa said the new leadership would operate under federal guidance and oversight until an elected government takes office.
The appointment follows renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal troops and forces linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), threatening the fragile peace established under the November 2022 Pretoria agreement. Government troops and allied Tigray Peace Force (TPF) fighters have recently expanded their control across the region, including in Mekelle and several strategic towns near the Eritrean border.
The conflict has also heightened tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Addis Ababa has accused Asmara of supporting armed opposition groups, allegations Eritrea denies.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation in a telephone conversation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, warning against cross-border incursions and calling for respect for neighboring countries’ sovereignty.
Tigray remains deeply affected by the 2020-2022 war, which caused widespread destruction, mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis.
