Abiy Ahmed Establishes Caretaker Government in Tigray Region

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed established a federal caretaker government in the northern Tigray region on Friday to stabilize the area and organize elections within six months. The move follows a major offensive launched by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on September 23, which prompted a counter-offensive by the Ethiopian military and pro-government militias. Federal forces have since reclaimed large portions of the region, including the capital, Mekelle.

Led by chief administrator Asefa Abrahaga Hagos, the interim administration is tasked with restoring public services, repairing infrastructure, and facilitating the return of displaced persons. The federal government accused the TPLF leadership of initiating a "devastating war" and obstructing peace efforts. TPLF vice president Amanuel Assefa rejected the appointment, claiming the region cannot be ruled by "puppets of the genocidal regime."

The renewed fighting has severely strained international relations. Ethiopia severed ties with Eritrea and accused Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting the TPLF rebels. Eritrea denied these allegations and claimed Ethiopia might use the instability to justify an invasion to seize the port of Assab. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged restraint during an October 14 call with Abiy Ahmed, warning that the region cannot tolerate further conflict.