The Ethiopian parliament has reappointed Abiy Ahmed as the country's prime minister, following his party's sweeping victory in the June elections. Ahmed was reappointed on Monday, October 5, 2026, in a televised session. The president of the parliament, Ahmed Shide, announced the appointment, according to a report by France Press. This move comes as Ahmed's party secured a significant majority in the recent elections.
The reappointment of Abiy Ahmed as prime minister occurs amid ongoing conflicts in the country, particularly in the northern region of Tigray. On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Ethiopian federal forces took control of the city of Mekele, the capital of Tigray, after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) withdrew from the area. The TPLF had been in control of the region before the conflict escalated with federal forces in September.
The conflict in Tigray has led to significant humanitarian concerns, with thousands of people displaced and reports of casualties. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, federal forces entered Mekele without encountering resistance, following the withdrawal of TPLF forces. The Ethiopian government has been working to establish stability in the region, with the support of local militias who have defected from the TPLF.
In a related development, four neighboring countries – Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan – have called for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the region. During a summit in the Egyptian city of El Alamein, the leaders of these countries emphasized the importance of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also stressed the need for political and peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
The summit, which was attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudanese Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, resulted in a joint statement. The statement highlighted the importance of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs, and support for national institutions.
The region has experienced escalating tensions, particularly between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The United States has urged both countries to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. The US State Department has expressed concerns that growing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could have broader implications for the Horn of Africa.
The Ethiopian government has been involved in several conflicts with neighboring countries, including Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan. The country has been accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which have been involved in a conflict with the Sudanese army since 2023. Meanwhile, Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan have been accused of supporting the TPLF in Tigray.
Key points
- Abiy Ahmed reappointed as prime minister of Ethiopia
- Conflict in Tigray region ongoing
- Neighboring countries call for peaceful resolution to regional conflicts
