Tigray resumes daily life amid fears of wider war

What happened: Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters retook Mekelle, the Tigray regional capital, on October 4, as shops and banks gradually reopened. On October 16, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray. Key numbers: About 137,000 civil servants lost monthly salaries Why it matters: Residents remain anxious over jobs, education and security, and delayed salaries leave public employees struggling with food, rent and school costs. Competing Ethiopian and Eritrean claims have raised fears of a direct confrontation between the neighbours.

Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters retook Mekelle, the Tigray regional capital, on October 4, as shops and banks gradually reopened. On October 16, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray.

Residents remain anxious over jobs, education and security, and delayed salaries leave public employees struggling with food, rent and school costs. Competing Ethiopian and Eritrean claims have raised fears of a direct confrontation between the neighbours.