The Ethiopian army's chief of staff, Marshal Birhanu Jula, has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebels. In a televised address, Jula claimed that these countries are providing external support to the TPLF. He stated that neither Eritrea nor the TPLF can achieve their goals alone. The accusations have not been publicly responded to by the three countries.
Clashes resumed in the Tigray region on September 22, nearly four years after the Pretoria agreement ended a two-year war that resulted in at least 600,000 deaths, according to the African Union. The TPLF claims it is responding to a federal "invasion." The conflict has now spread to two neighboring regions, Amhara and Afar, displacing around 150,000 people. The situation remains dire, with intense fighting reported in western Tigray.
On September 20, seven rebel groups announced the formation of a coalition aimed at overthrowing the federal government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The coalition, known as the People's Forces for the Survival of Ethiopia, seeks to unite various rebel groups against the government. This development has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the conflict.
The fighting has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with many residents in Mekele describing a climate of fear and engaging in precautionary buying. The prices of food and other essential items have increased in anticipation of shortages. The majority of telecommunications networks have been cut off in northern Ethiopia, a tactic also employed during the previous conflict.
According to the Ethiopian army, over 700 rebels have been killed and around 500 injured since the resumption of hostilities. However, this toll cannot be independently verified. A drone strike damaged the regional television building in Mekele, but no casualties were reported. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with continued clashes reported in various areas.
The conflict has also led to a significant disruption in daily life, with many people unable to access basic services such as electricity and banking. The humanitarian situation is dire, with 150,000 people displaced in the Amhara and Afar regions alone. Efforts to provide aid and assistance to those affected have been hindered by the security situation.
The international community has not yet commented on the accusations made by Marshal Jula. The situation in Ethiopia remains a major concern, with the potential for further escalation and humanitarian crisis. The conflict has significant implications for regional stability and global security.
Key points
- The Ethiopian army chief accuses Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the Tigray People's Liberation Front rebels.
- The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with 150,000 people displaced in the Amhara and Afar regions.
- The situation in Ethiopia remains volatile, with continued clashes and a dire humanitarian situation.
