The Ethiopian federal army has entered Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region, according to a humanitarian source. The city was largely abandoned by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces, who have been fighting the federal army since September 23. The humanitarian source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that federal forces and their allies were present in several areas of the city. No immediate clashes were reported.
The conflict in Tigray has been ongoing for months, with the federal army clashing with the TPLF and Fano militias from the neighboring Amhara region. In April, the TPLF, which ruled Ethiopia for nearly three decades until 2018, had challenged the authority of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed by ousting the federal administration from Tigray. The TPLF's leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, had vowed to continue fighting, citing the group's past victories against government forces.
The humanitarian situation in Tigray is dire, with telecommunications severely disrupted, making it difficult to verify information. A local journalist in Mekele reported that TPLF leaders and troops were leaving the city as federal forces approached. Government officials, including the spokesperson for the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and the prime minister's office, did not respond to requests for comment.
The conflict has raised concerns about regional instability, with observers warning that it could spread to neighboring Eritrea, Sudan, and other parts of the Horn of Africa. The Ethiopian government has accused Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan's military of supporting the TPLF, while Eritrea has denied involvement. A mini-summit is scheduled to take place in Egypt, bringing together regional leaders to discuss the crisis.
The conflict has also led to diplomatic tensions, with Ethiopia accusing Eritrea of "hostilities and belligerence" and expelling Eritrean diplomats. Eritrea responded by breaking off diplomatic relations. Egypt and Ethiopia have also exchanged accusations, with Ethiopia declaring an Egyptian diplomat persona non grata.
The humanitarian source in Mekele reported that government buildings and police stations were left unattended, and TPLF forces were seen leaving the city with their weapons. The situation on the ground remains uncertain, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The conflict in Tigray has a long and complex history, with the TPLF and federal government clashing in 2020 and 2021. A peace agreement was reached in 2022, but key provisions were not implemented, leading to renewed tensions. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian impact and regional instability.
Key points
- The Ethiopian federal army has entered Mekele, the capital of Tigray, amid ongoing conflict with the TPLF.
- The conflict has raised concerns about regional instability and humanitarian impact.
- Diplomatic tensions have escalated between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt.
