Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to the Tigray region, effective immediately, citing the current situation on the ground. The decision affects flights to the cities of Mekele, Shair, and Axum. This move comes after forces from the Tigray region took control of Mekele's airport from federal police in the early hours of Wednesday. The airline announced the suspension via social media, but did not provide further details on the situation or the duration of the suspension.
The takeover of Mekele airport is a significant development in the escalating tensions between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF has been at odds with the federal government since the signing of a peace agreement in November 2022, which aimed to end the two-year conflict that resulted in a large number of casualties. The agreement, however, has not brought lasting peace to the region.
The TPLF announced on Sunday that it had formed an alliance with six other armed groups in Ethiopia, with the goal of toppling the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This move reflects the widening rift between the TPLF and the federal government. In May, the TPLF took control of the regional administration from an interim government established under the peace agreement.
The conflict in Tigray has been marked by a series of airstrikes by the Ethiopian military against TPLF forces. According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, the military has carried out several drone strikes in recent months. The Ethiopian government has not commented on these strikes, but the military announced last week that around 300 fighters from Tigray had surrendered.
The situation in Tigray remains volatile, with concerns growing about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The region has been under a de facto blockade since the start of the conflict, with limited access to basic services such as healthcare and food. The international community has called for restraint and a return to dialogue between the parties.
The Ethiopian government has not officially commented on the latest developments in Tigray, but it is clear that the situation is being closely watched by regional and international actors. The African Union and other international organizations have been urging calm and a return to negotiations.
The suspension of flights to Tigray is likely to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region, which is already facing significant challenges. The Ethiopian government and the international community will be under pressure to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need.
Key points
- Ethiopian Airlines suspends flights to Tigray region amid escalating tensions between federal government and TPLF.
- TPLF forms alliance with six armed groups to topple Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
- Conflict in Tigray has resulted in significant humanitarian crisis, with concerns growing about access to basic services.
