Key facts
- Caretaker government named for Ethiopia's Tigray region.
- Elections planned within six months.
- TPLF rebel alliance clashed with federal troops last month.
- Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of backing rebels.
NAIROBI, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has named a caretaker government to stabilize the northern Tigray region and prepare for an election within six months, following renewed fighting between a rebel alliance and federal troops. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) launched an offensive last month, reigniting a war that previously killed hundreds of thousands between 2020 and 2022. Ethiopia's military and allied militias have since gained control of significant parts of Tigray, including the capital Mekelle. The temporary administration is tasked with fostering a stable political climate for free and transparent elections, repairing damaged infrastructure, and assisting displaced people. Abiy stated that the people of Tigray must break free from conflict to achieve peace and development. The TPLF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The region is still recovering from the previous war's humanitarian toll, with around 750,000 Tigrayans displaced as of February and facing drought conditions.