In brief
Ethiopia’s central government and the Tigrayan ruling party, TPLF, have swapped accusations that the other side has launched military attacks, sparking concerns of a return to widespread conflict. The Ethiopian adviser to the prime minister claims Tigrayan forces seized regional airports and fired on Afar and Amhara, while the TPLF says it is only fighting in defense after drone assaults. The situation intensifies following the TPLF’s announcement of a new alliance with six rebel groups to oust the Addis Ababa regime, drawing sharp condemnation from the African Union and the United States. With civilian casualties piling up from recent air strikes, the fragile peace that ended the two‑year war in 2022 appears at risk. Early cease‑fire talks have yet to materialise, leaving the region’s future uncertain.
The Ethiopian Cabinet Minister, Getachew Reda, warned that Tigrayan forces had seized federally administered airports and launched attacks on the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions. Tigray’s leadership counter‑accused the Addis Ababa government of a “defensive war” following drone strikes that have been a hallmark of the latest hostilities.
The two‑year war that officially ended in 2022 has been marred by repeated accusations that both sides breach the Pretoria Agreement, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire. Recent reports suggest TPLF fighters have formed a new coalition with six rebel groups, aiming to overthrow the federal government.
On the ground, the Tigrayan city of Mekelle said its airport was seized by local forces early Wednesday, while Ethiopian Airlines cancelled all flights to the region. Drone attacks on the southern town of Alamata killed at least 14 people and injured 22 more, with the mayor alleging the strikes targeted secondary schools used by federal troops.
International organisations have called for an immediate de‑escalation. The African Union’s Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, urged both parties to resume dialogue, while the U.S. ambassador condemned TPLF’s “unwinnable” offensive and demanded accountability for recent drone strikes.
With tensions escalating, the future of Ethiopia’s northern states remains precariously on the brink. Only persistent diplomatic engagement may prevent a catastrophic rebirth of conflict, leaving the region’s millions of civilians in a state of uncertainty.
