Ethiopia establishes six-month caretaker administration for Tigray

Ethiopia’s government announced a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray on October 16, with preparations for free and transparent elections among its central tasks.

The Ethiopian News Agency, citing the prime minister’s office, said the administration followed a House of Federation resolution and a subsequent Council of Ministers decision. It will operate under federal government direction and oversight.

Its duties include restoring government institutions and basic social services, repairing damaged infrastructure and helping displaced residents return home. The prime minister’s office said its mandate was limited to routine governance and election preparations, excluding long-term strategic decisions.

The decision follows renewed fighting between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in September. Federal authorities blamed the front’s leadership for obstructing peace efforts.

The previous 2020–2022 conflict ended with a peace agreement. Tigray’s population did not participate in Ethiopia’s June 2026 general election. The caretaker authorities are to create conditions for regional elections within the six-month transition.