Ethiopia's government has set up a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray following renewed fighting in the region. Hundreds of former combatants meanwhile have registered for a program to help them return to civilian life. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said Friday that the new administration will restore public services, help displaced people return and prepare for elections within six months under federal oversight. The announcement follows the withdrawal of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front from Mekelle and the entry of government-allied fighters into the regional capital on Oct. 4. Renewed fighting in the northern region in recent weeks has effectively shattered a 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year war.
In this photo made with a smartphone, former Tigrayan fighters line up for a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program in Mekelle, Ethiopia, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. The program, overseen by Ethiopia's National Rehabilitation Commission, is part of the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, which renewed fighting has effectively shattered. (AP Photo/Filmon Equar Hailu)
In this photo made with a smartphone, former Tigrayan fighters wait in line to register for a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program in Mekelle, Ethiopia, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Registration has resumed following renewed fighting in the northern Ethiopian region. (AP Photo/Filmon Equar Hailu)
In this photo made with a smartphone, former Tigrayan fighters line up to register for a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program in Mekelle, Ethiopia, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. The resumed registration comes as Ethiopia's government establishes a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray following renewed fighting. (AP Photo/Filmon Equar Hailu)
In this photo made with a smartphone, former Tigrayan fighters walk past people waiting under umbrellas as they line up for a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program in Mekelle, Ethiopia, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. The program is intended to help former combatants return to civilian life. (AP Photo/Filmon Equar Hailu)
In this photo made with a smartphone, former Tigrayan fighters, some carrying documents, line up to register for a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program in Mekelle, Ethiopia, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. The program has resumed after being suspended amid rising tensions between the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the federal government. (AP Photo/Filmon Equar Hailu)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's liberal President Lee Jae Myung is calling for a practical, step-by-step approach to achieve North Kor…
A deadly building collapse in Gaza has highlighted ongoing hardships for Palestinians nearly a year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Reconstruction plans have stalled, forcing many to live in damaged homes despite risks. Earlier this month, the U.N. reported five shelters collapsed in one week. The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works says over 2,000 buildings are at risk. Israel has restricted rebuilding until Hamas disarms, leaving many in unsafe conditions. Aid groups urge Israel to allow more shelter materials into Gaza, but security concerns have blocked entry. The nearly three-year conflict has severely impacted housing and affected millions.