ADDIS ABABA, October 16, 2026 (Horn News Hub)
Ethiopia’s federal government has announced the establishment of a six month caretaker administration for the Tigray Regional State, assigning it responsibilities that include restoring security, rebuilding public institutions, facilitating the return of internally displaced people and preparing the region for elections.
According to a statement issued by the federal government, the decision was made pursuant to provisions of the Ethiopian Constitution and existing legislation, following a decision by the House of Federation to establish an interim administration for Tigray and grant the Council of Ministers the necessary authority.
The government said the caretaker administration was established through a regulation adopted by the Council of Ministers and would operate for six months.
In its statement, the federal government blamed the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) for obstructing efforts to implement the Pretoria Agreement and accused its leadership of initiating another round of conflict. These allegations represent the government’s position and could not be independently verified from the statement.
The government said the new administration was intended to help Tigray move beyond repeated conflict, restore peace and enable the region to participate fully in Ethiopia’s federal system.
Mandate and responsibilities
The caretaker administration has been tasked with restoring peace and security, rebuilding government institutions and ensuring the resumption of public services disrupted by conflict.
Its responsibilities also include repairing damaged infrastructure, supporting reconstruction and extending national development initiatives to the region.
The administration is expected to facilitate the return of internally displaced people to their places of origin and resume interrupted social services. The statement did not provide a detailed implementation timetable for these activities.
On security, the administration will coordinate with federal defence, police and security institutions, as well as Tigray’s security forces, to establish stability across the region, from regional authorities to local kebele administrations.
The government said the administration would also facilitate the disarmament and reintegration of armed groups into civilian life and oversee the restructuring of regional security institutions.
Other responsibilities include coordinating media activities, organizing public forums, supporting the psychological recovery of communities affected by conflict and preparing the population for reconstruction and development.
Elections within six months
The federal government said the caretaker administration would work to establish conditions for free, fair, peaceful and inclusive elections within its six month mandate.
According to the statement, the process is intended to enable Tigray to return to a regular and fully functioning position within Ethiopia’s federal system under an elected regional government.
Until an elected administration takes office, the caretaker body is expected to focus on day to day public services and preparations for elections. The government said it would not undertake activities with broader long term strategic implications beyond its assigned responsibilities.
The administration will operate under the direction and oversight of the federal government, with its activities guided by Ethiopia’s national interests, territorial integrity and the fundamental interests of the people of Tigray.
Officials appointed to lead the administration
The federal government announced five appointments to lead the caretaker administration.
Asefa Abraha Hagos has been appointed chief executive for administration and public service, while Dr. Tewodros Aregay W/Selassie will oversee economic affairs and reconstruction.
Brigadier General Gebreegziabher Beyene Hailu has been appointed chief executive for security and peace. Redai Halefom W/Selassie will oversee political affairs and public organizations.
Dr. Shishay Amare has been appointed mayor of Mekelle, the regional capital.
The government said all five officials would carry out their duties under federal guidance, direction, support and oversight.
The announcement sets out a federal government led transition framework for Tigray, with security, public administration, reconstruction and elections identified as its principal priorities. The practical implementation of the mandate, the restoration of services and the creation of conditions for credible elections will be central to assessing the administration’s progress over the coming six months.
