Federal Government Establishes Interim Administration in Tigray

The Ethiopian federal government announced on October 16, 2026, the establishment of an interim administration for the Tigray region, tasked with overseeing the area for the next six months. The administration is mandated to restore public services, stabilize the security situation, reconstruct government structures, and facilitate the upcoming regional election. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed six officials to lead this interim body, including Assefa Abraha, who was named head of administration and public service. Assefa, a former senior official with extensive background in development and private sector leadership, was also a key participant in the Pretoria peace agreement negotiations. The interim administration will operate under the guidance of the federal government and is restricted from addressing long-term strategic issues. Its tenure will conclude once a new government is elected by the public.