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Rebel forces in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region say they have temporarily withdrawn from the regional capital, Mekelle, as fighting with the national army moves closer to the city, according to the BBC.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has run the region, said it decided to relocate because of concerns about risks to civilians. Two Mekelle residents told the BBC that pro-government forces now control the city and TPLF forces have left. One resident said mobile phone services appeared to have resumed in parts of Mekelle.
Renewed fighting raises regional concerns
Clashes have erupted in recent weeks between the TPLF and federal government forces, alongside allied fighters, in parts of Tigray, Afar and Amhara regions.
The latest developments mark a major shift in the conflict and have raised concerns that the fighting could further destabilise the Horn of Africa and draw in neighbouring countries. The US Department of State has called on all sides to show “restraint” and pursue “dialogue” ahead of a diplomatic meeting on the conflict in Egypt on Sunday, attended by leaders from some of Ethiopia’s neighbouring countries.
Relations deteriorate after peace deal
Tigray residents have been trying to recover from a devastating two-year civil war that ended in 2022 with an African Union-brokered peace deal between the two sides, known as the Pretoria Agreement. Relations have worsened over the past six months, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.
Last month, the TPLF joined six other armed movements, including the Fano militia from Amhara, to form an alliance whose stated aim is to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government from power. An African Union mediator estimated that about 600,000 people died in the civil war, which brought the region to the brink of famine.
On Friday, Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea severed diplomatic relations after Addis Ababa accused Asmara of supporting the new rebel alliance. Eritrea denied the allegation. Ethiopia has also accused Egypt of backing the rebels, prompting the expulsion of an Egyptian diplomat. Cairo responded by ordering an Ethiopian embassy official to leave within the same period.
The United Nations has warned that worsening insecurity in northern Ethiopia is severely disrupting humanitarian operations and called on all sides to ensure safe and unhindered access to people in need.
