Ethiopia sets up Tigray caretaker government as ex-fighters seek return to civilian life

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ethiopia's government set up a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray following renewed fighting in the region, as hundreds of former combatants registered Friday for a program to help them return to civilian life.The new administration is expected to restore public services, help displaced people return and prepare for an election within six months under federal oversight, according to the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.The announcement follows the withdrawal of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front rebel group, or TPLF, 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. Ethiopia also has accused Eritrean troops of occupying parts of its territory, while Eritrea condemned Ethiopia for what it called a declaration of war.Former combatants seek to return to civilian lifeA