Federal Government Preparing New Interim Administration in Tigray to Hold Elections

The Ethiopian federal government is moving to establish a new interim regional administration in the Tigray region that aims to rapidly transition the territory toward regional elections, according to statements made by Dr. Abraham Belay in an interview with state television (EBC). Dr. Abraham stated that the new administrative structure will be built from the kebele level upwards with direct public participation, with plans to hold regional elections within a few months. This development follows recent military engagements in which federal forces advanced from southern fronts and took control of Mekelle, while TPLF-led forces announced their withdrawal from the city to continue an armed struggle elsewhere. The region has been governed by temporary administrations and lacked representation in national councils since the controversial late 2020 regional election. Dr. Abraham also alleged that Eritrean military personnel were directly involved in the recent fighting and that several were captured, an assertion previously rejected by Eritrea's Ministry of Information. Additionally, the broader political situation remains complex due to alliances involving various armed groups and accusations regarding external regional actors.