Ethiopia has announced an interim administration for Tigray following federal forces’ defeat of an uprising led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). According to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the interim administration will stabilize the region and prepare it to hold free elections in six months. Addis Ababa appointed five officials, including the mayor of Mekelle, Tigray’s capital, who will implement directives from the federal government. The TPLF launched an offensive against the federal government last month, shortly after announcing an alliance with other armed groups. While the rebel alliance recorded early wins, federal forces soon gained the upper hand. The TPLF’s fighters subsequently lost major cities and surrendered in Mekelle in early October.