Brief

Ethiopia appoints six‑month caretaker government for Tigray as ex‑combatants register for reintegration

The caretaker body will restore services, aid displaced people and prepare elections under federal oversight.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:16:24 GMT

Ethiopia’s federal government announced on Friday that it has established a six‑month caretaker administration for the Tigray region, following renewed fighting and the withdrawal of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces from Mekelle.

The caretaker government is tasked with restoring public services, assisting displaced residents to return, and preparing for elections within six months, under the oversight of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office.

On the same day, hundreds of former combatants gathered at Mekelle’s Tigray Martyrs’ Memorial Monument to register for a reintegration programme aimed at helping them re‑enter civilian life. Registration began on Wednesday, but authorities did not disclose how many have signed up.

Filmon Gebreselassie, a 33‑year‑old day‑labourer, told the Independent that he was urged by the TPLF to rejoin his unit but chose instead to focus on his children. He said he had disarmed after the 2022 peace agreement but could not register earlier because the programme was suspended when tensions rose again.

Other young men at the registration office declined interviews, citing fear of retaliation from the TPLF.

The announcement follows the TPLF’s withdrawal from Mekelle and the entry of government‑aligned fighters into the regional capital on 4 October, after weeks of renewed clashes that have shattered the 2022 peace deal. Ethiopia also accused Eritrean troops of occupying parts of its territory, a claim Eritrea rejected as a declaration of war.

Key facts

• Ethiopia set up a six‑month caretaker administration for Tigray. (independent.co.uk)
• The caretaker government will restore services, aid displaced people and prepare elections. (independent.co.uk)
• Hundreds of former combatants began registering for a reintegration programme on Friday. (independent.co.uk)
• Filmon Gebreselassie, a former fighter, said he chose not to return to war to raise his children. (independent.co.uk)
• The TPLF withdrew from Mekelle and government‑aligned fighters entered the city on 4 October. (independent.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Ethiopia sets up Tigray caretaker government as ex-fighters seek return to civilian life”