The Ethiopian government has announced the establishment of a six-month interim administration to govern the northern state of Tigray after federal armed forces reasserted military control over the territory. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pledged in a statement that free and fair elections would eventually be conducted once political stability is achieved.

This controversial move comes in the wake of a suppressed armed uprising launched by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which had effectively dismantled a prior peace agreement with the federal authorities. The newly appointed five-member administration, which includes the mayor of the regional capital Mekelle, will allegedly operate under the direct instructions of the central government.

The TPLF has not yet issued a formal response to the appointment. The rebel group previously attempted a major offensive aimed at toppling the leadership, only to face a decisive military setback against the Ethiopian armed forces. Meanwhile, the US regime reportedly urged both conflicting parties to de-escalate during a phone call between Abiy Ahmed and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, raising ongoing concerns over regional stability.

Source: www.aljazeera.com