The Ethiopian federal army's chief of staff, Marshal Birhanu Jula, has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting armed groups fighting against the government's forces in northern Ethiopia. The accusations come as clashes resumed on Wednesday between the army and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the northern region of Tigray. The conflict has already led to the displacement of 150,000 people, according to humanitarian sources.
The renewed fighting has raised concerns about a potential new war in the region, four years after a previous conflict in Tigray that resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths between 2020 and 2022. The TPLF has formed an alliance with seven other armed groups from various Ethiopian regions, including the Fano militia, to "overthrow" the federal government. The situation remains volatile, with communications largely cut off in Tigray and its surroundings.
On Sunday, a drone strike hit the headquarters of Tigrai TV, the official television station of the TPLF, in the city of Mekele. The station's journalists reported that the building was damaged, but no casualties were reported. The Ethiopian government had previously suspended Tigrai TV's broadcasts and banned media outlets from relaying its information.
The conflict has spread to neighboring regions, including Amhara and Afar, where clashes have been reported. In Afar, a local NGO source reported that TPLF forces had captured the town of Erebti, located near the Tigray border, after intense fighting involving heavy artillery. The source added that the TPLF fighters are now advancing towards the town of Afdera.
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with 150,000 people displaced and in need of food and water. Humanitarian workers are trying to deliver aid, but access to rural areas is difficult. The Ethiopian government has not provided an official estimate of the number of displaced people.
The conflict has sparked concerns about regional stability, with Eritrea and Sudan being accused of supporting the TPLF. The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, fearing a wider conflict.
The international community has called for restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict. The African Union has expressed concern about the escalation of violence and urged both sides to engage in negotiations. The situation remains fluid, with the risk of further escalation.
Key points
- The Ethiopian army chief accuses Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the TPLF rebels.
- The conflict has led to the displacement of 150,000 people.
- The situation has sparked concerns about regional stability and a potential new war.
