Starting from March 26, 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on the people of Tigray to submit suggestions via email for the appointment of the new president of the region’s interim administration.

Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed stated that, while the authority to appoint the president of the Tigray Region Interim Administration is legally vested in the Prime Minister, public involvement is crucial. He urged citizens to send their recommendations by email.

He stated, “Until the people of Tigray fully elect their leaders in upcoming elections, I invite you to submit your suggestions for candidates who can effectively achieve the interim administration’s goals and ensure peace and security in the region. Please send your recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office via email, starting today, March 26, 2025.”

The Prime Minister highlighted that the Tigray Regional Interim Administration has been operational for two years under the Constitution, the Pretoria Peace Agreement, and Ministerial Regulations. However, he noted that the administration’s objectives had not been fully achieved, necessitating an extension of its mandate for another year.

“When the interim administration was established, it was expected to accomplish its primary goals and transition power to a government elected by the people,” Abiy Ahmed remarked. He acknowledged that the administration had failed to meet key objectives within the designated timeframe, including creating a conducive environment for elections.

As a result, the Prime Minister announced the need to amend the law to extend the interim administration’s mandate by one year. He also stressed the importance of appointing a new president for the administration, noting that the federal government is actively engaged in political, administrative, and legal efforts to address the situation.

The Prime Minister stated that the interim administration had failed to fulfill its responsibility of creating a favorable environment for elections. However, the broader responsibilities assigned to the interim administration include facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, ensuring transitional justice, supporting rehabilitation efforts, and implementing Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs in alignment with the security situation on the ground.

According to the Pretoria Agreement, the federal government holds broad responsibilities, including evacuating armed forces—excluding the Ethiopian army—from Tigray territories and facilitating the process. However, the federal government failed to fulfill these obligations. Despite this, the Prime Minister focused solely on the failure to create a conducive environment for elections, while overlooking the broader unfulfilled responsibilities of both the interim administration and the federal government.

Meanwhile, the majority of Tigray’s population lives in rural areas, where internet services disrupted by the war remain unrepaired. Additionally, many residents are not familiar with social media and email, further complicating communication efforts. This has raised concerns about the legality, transparency, and inclusiveness of the proposed procedures in the region.