Andrew Wasike
16 October 2026•Update: 16 October 2026
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government announced on Friday the appointment of 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.
The government said the House of Federation approved the suspension of Tigray's previous interim administration, paving the way for a new federally supervised leadership structure.
The new administration will be headed by Asefa Abrahaga Hagos as chief administrator, with Tewodros Aregeay W/Selassie overseeing economic recovery and reconstruction.
Brig. Gen. Gebretensae Whatna Haylu was appointed to oversee security and peace, while Redai Halefom W/Selassie will handle political affairs and mass mobilization. Shishay Amare was named mayor of Mekelle, Tigray's regional capital.
According to the statement, the administration's responsibilities include restoring essential public services, repairing war-damaged infrastructure, facilitating the return of displaced residents and preparing the region for elections.
The government said the interim authorities must establish 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 decision follows renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal troops and forces linked to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has threatened 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 Mekelle and several strategic towns near the Eritrean border.
The conflict has also heightened tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with Addis Ababa accusing 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 Abiy, 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.
