Tigray’s main political party TPLF reasserted control over region’s political administration on Tuesday escalating tensions with Ethiopia’s federal government.
The TPLF said it restored its pre-war legislative council and elected Debretsion Gebremichael as regional president in a statement on Tuesday.
The move follows last month’s announcement to restore pre-war structures, with TPLF accusing federal government of provoking conflict and withholding funds.
An adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned the decision could trigger catastrophic conflict, while the EU and Britain urged de-escalation.
Spokespeople for both the Ethiopian federal government and the TPLF did not respond to requests for comment on the developments.
The 2020–2022 civil war in Tigray became one of century’s deadliest conflicts killing hundreds of thousands through violence famine and disease.
The conflict stemmed from a breakdown between TPLF and Abiy Ahmed after his 2018 rise to power ended decades of dominance.
A scholar said escalation could trigger renewed armed conflict if de-escalation efforts are not introduced quickly, according to Reuters interview.
The Pretoria Agreement has faced strain with armed skirmishes reported since January between TPLF forces and Ethiopian federal troops.
The deal established an interim administration through dialogue to govern Tigray until elections could be organised under the peace framework.
TPLF has moved to replace the interim administration claiming violations of the peace deal and forming rival authorities now.
An explosion near interim administration offices in Mekelle injured no one with cause still under investigation by local authorities.