Ethiopian government forces and their allies have claimed control of the strategic town of Alamata in the Tigray region, following days of clashes with Tigrayan rebels. The Tigray Peace Force, a armed group supporting the federal government, said in a statement that its fighters, backed by the Ethiopian National Army, had taken control of Alamata from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
The renewed clashes in northern Ethiopia have raised concerns about the fragile peace process. The conflict between the federal government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and the TPLF and its allies has intensified over the past week, threatening the Pretoria peace agreement signed in November 2022. The agreement aimed to end the two-year civil war in Tigray, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
Alamata, located about 120km south of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, is a strategic town that has changed hands several times in recent weeks. A video verified by Reuters showed Ethiopian soldiers patrolling the town, waving the Ethiopian flag. Two diplomatic sources confirmed that the town had fallen to government forces, while a source close to the rebels said that their forces had withdrawn.
The latest clashes began last week, when Tigrayan forces launched a broad attack, seizing three airports in Tigray and advancing into neighboring regions. The TPLF described the conflict as a "defensive war," accusing the federal government of using drones and heavy artillery. The Ethiopian government and other parties to the conflict have provided conflicting accounts of the situation on the ground.
The conflict in Tigray has a long and complex history, with multiple parties involved. The TPLF, which dominated Ethiopian politics for decades, has been at odds with the federal government since Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018. The Pretoria peace agreement was seen as a major breakthrough, but the recent clashes have raised concerns about its implementation.
The humanitarian situation in Tigray remains dire, with millions of people in need of aid. The conflict has disrupted food and medical supplies, and many civilians have been forced to flee their homes. The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to peace talks.
The Ethiopian government has not provided a detailed account of the military operations in Tigray, but it has accused the TPLF of violating the peace agreement. The TPLF, in turn, has accused the government of using excessive force and targeting civilians. The conflict is likely to continue to have significant humanitarian and political implications for Ethiopia and the wider region.
Key points
- Ethiopian forces and allies claim control of strategic town in Tigray
- Renewed clashes threaten Pretoria peace agreement
- Humanitarian situation in Tigray remains dire
