TPLF spokesman Getachew Rida has been appointed to head an interim regional administration, according to party-run media reports.

The dominant party in the Ethiopian region of Tigray has announced its candidacy for the post of head of a regional administration, which it called for in Peace agreement that ended a two-year war in the northern region, according to party-run media.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has appointed its spokesperson, Getachew Reid, to take over the temporary position, Tigray TV reported on Saturday.

The TPLF fought Ethiopian forces and their allies in a war that left tens of thousands dead. A truce was reached last November after federal forces scored a string of battlefield victories.

If the federal government approves Getachew’s candidacy, he will replace TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael, who has led Tigray since 2018.

It is not clear when the federal government can consider Getachew’s candidacy or when the interim administration will be formed.

Ethiopian government spokeswoman Legis Tolu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lack of an interim government has hampered the humanitarian response across Tigray, where millions are in desperate need of aid, according to aid workers.

They said civil servants and medical workers were not being paid, and aid agencies lacked a clear interlocutor.

Getachew’s nomination came days after the appointment of United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken He visited Ethiopia He commended the authorities there for making progress in implementing the Peace Pact, while warning that more work needed to be done.

During that visit, Blinken discussed with Getachew and Ethiopian officials the importance of forming an interim administration.