Ethiopia installs an interim government in Tigray after retaking the region

Length of Tigray's interim administration

6 months

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a six-month administration on Friday and pledged free elections afterward. Five officials, including the mayor of Mekelle, will carry out directives from the federal government.

Background

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) launched an uprising last month with allied armed groups to topple the government. Federal forces took the regional capital, Mekelle, earlier this month and retook Adwa and Adigrat.

Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing the rebels, and all three deny it. Eritrea cut diplomatic ties with Ethiopia earlier this month over the accusations.

Why it matters

Ethiopia and Eritrea accuse each other of inciting war, raising fears of a wider conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation in a call with Abiy on Wednesday.