Ethiopia has dissolved Tigray’s interim administration and appointed a six-month federal government tasked with restoring security, rebuilding services and preparing elections….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Ethiopia has dissolved the interim administration of the Tigray Regional State and established a new federal interim administration to govern the region for six months, according to an official announcement.
The House of Federation, acting under Article 62 (9) of the Ethiopian Constitution and Article 14/2/l/ of Proclamation No. 359/1995, decided to suspend the existing administration. The dissolution was carried out under authority granted to the House of Peoples’ Representatives.
The decision comes amid continuing difficulties in implementing the Pretoria Agreement, which was intended to resolve the conflict in Tigray. The announcement said repeated efforts to settle the dispute through the agreement had been obstructed and had failed to achieve their intended results.
It also referred to renewed conflict in the region, blaming aggression from Tigray for the latest outbreak of hostilities. The announcement said the people of Tigray needed to move beyond prolonged conflict, restore peace, reclaim their right to self-administration and address years of developmental setbacks.
The federal government said the new administration would focus on restoring stability, rebuilding public institutions and enabling Tigray to resume its place within Ethiopia’s federal system.
Six-month mandate focuses on peace and elections
The interim administration has been assigned a six-month period to establish stable conditions and prepare the region for a return to elected government.
Its immediate responsibilities include addressing security challenges, restoring disrupted government structures and ensuring that residents can access regular public services. It has also been tasked with protecting infrastructure damaged during the conflict and facilitating the resumption of operations at essential facilities.
Another priority is the return of displaced communities to their places of origin. The administration must also ensure the continuation of social services across the region while supporting recovery and reconstruction.
A central objective is to establish a stable political environment within six months and conduct what the announcement described as free and fair elections. The stated aim is to enable Tigray to function as a regular component of the Ethiopian federation under an elected government.
Security arrangements will involve coordination between federal defence, police and security institutions and Tigray’s security forces. The interim administration will be responsible for helping establish stability from the regional level down to local kebele administrations.
It has also been instructed to encourage combatants to surrender their weapons, return to civilian life and participate in reconstruction and renewal efforts. Responsibility for the region’s security arrangements will remain part of the transitional administration’s mandate.
The announcement further stressed the need to restore public confidence, strengthen morale and create conditions for residents to participate in development and reconstruction.
New officials appointed
The federal government has appointed five officials to lead the interim administration and oversee its main areas of responsibility.
Ato Asefa Abrahaga Hagos has been appointed chief administrator and chief of public service. Doctor Tewodros Aregeay W/Selassie will oversee the economy and reconstruction, while Brigadier General Gebretensae Whatna Haylu will lead security and peace.
Ato Redai Halefom W/Selassie has been appointed chief of politics and mass mobilisation. Doctor Shishay Amare has been named mayor of Mekelle, the regional capital.
The federal government said it would provide guidance, policy direction, support and oversight to the appointed officials as they carry out their responsibilities.
The interim administration has been instructed to base its activities on Ethiopia’s national interests, territorial unity and the fundamental interests of the people of Tigray. It must also continue providing day-to-day services and undertake preparations for the next election until an elected government takes office.
Its work will be conducted under the directives and guidance of the federal government.
The announcement presents the six-month administration as a transitional arrangement intended to restore stability and enable political normalisation. However, the success of the plan will depend on security conditions, the restoration of public services, the return of displaced residents and progress towards credible elections in the conflict-affected region.
