In its 22nd regular meeting held today; the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives (HPR) approved an amendment to extend the term of the Regional Interim Administration of Tigray for an additional year.

This amendment replaces Decree No. 359/1995, which was previously in force, and introduces Proclamation No. 1373/2017. The proclamation was passed by a majority vote, with two abstentions.

This amendment allows interim administrations to be extended for up to two terms of one year each, enabling the extension of the recently expired interim administration of Tigray for an additional year.

Under the previous decree, the federal government could intervene in state affairs under certain conditions: if the state government failed to maintain peace and security, if human rights violations occurred and were not addressed by the state government, or if the constitutional order threatened. The decree also allowed for the establishment of an interim administration, accountable to the federal government, by suspending the regional council and executive body. However, it limited interim administrations to a two-year term, with a possible six-month extension if deemed necessary.

The amendment’s explanatory notes highlighted that the existing time limit is “not compatible with the current reality,” emphasizing the need for “flexibility” to address “highly complex security and political challenges.” Using the Tigray region as an example, it noted that even after the two-year term had elapsed, conditions were not conducive to establishing a regular regional government through elections.

The amendment grants the Speaker of the Federation Council the authority to extend the term of interim administrations, requiring the decision to be presented and approved during the Council’s regular meetings. If the Council rejects the extension, the amendment mandates that elections be held within four months, followed by the establishment of a regular state government.

Additionally, the Federation Council and the Speaker may outline specific measures for interim administrations to address the root causes of federal intervention and strengthen the constitutional system.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently addressed council members regarding the amendment, explaining that the extension of the Tigray interim administration was necessary. He acknowledged the possibility of leadership changes and emphasized that legal amendments were required to extend the administration’s authority. He added that further evaluation was needed before implementing any changes. “Based on this assessment and in compliance with the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the interim administration will continue until the next election,” he stated during the session.