Ethiopia appoints Tigray caretaker administration, targets elections within six months

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed a caretaker administration for Tigray following renewed fighting between federal forces and a rebel alliance, Reuters reported on 16 October. The government says the temporary administration will prepare for elections within six months, restore damaged infrastructure and assist displaced residents. The announcement follows federal military advances, including the capture of regional capital Mekelle. The conflict has also heightened tensions with neighbouring Eritrea, which denies Ethiopian accusations that it supports the rebels.