Ethiopia seeks new Tigray leader amid rising tensions

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for residents of the Tigray region to nominate a new leader in an effort to address escalating tensions and prevent a potential return to civil war. This move follows a power struggle within the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), leading to the interim President Getachew Reda fleeing to Addis Ababa amid armed conflicts instigated by rival factions. The Prime Minister's invitation for nominations via email reflects an attempt to stabilize the region after a brutal two-year civil war that resulted in significant casualties. While the leadership change could alleviate immediate infighting, analysts warn that underlying challenges remain, including the restoration of lost territory and ongoing humanitarian crises. The federal government has decided to extend the interim administration's mandate by one year, recognizing the difficulties in fulfilling its duties thus far. International observers have expressed concern over the potential for renewed violence if political disputes are not resolved peacefully.