The Alula Aba Nega Airport, a crucial gateway to Tigray's capital, Mekelle, has reportedly been recaptured by Ethiopian federal forces. According to sources, the airport was seized by opposition forces when fighting broke out on September 23. However, within two weeks, the federal military has regained control, marking a significant turn in the conflict. The airport's capture has major implications for the region, as it serves as a lifeline for medicine, aid workers, journalists, and the diaspora.
The conflict between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has led to a significant escalation of violence in northern Ethiopia. Residents of Mekelle have been stocking up on essentials, anticipating the worst. This behaviour is a testament to the population's experience during the 2020-2022 civil war, when federal forces took Mekelle within the first month, only for the TPLF to retake it seven months later.
The situation on the ground remains fluid, with reports of gunfire outside the city centre and some Tigrayan Defence Force fighters leaving their posts and heading home. A source close to the TPLF offered a different account, stating that the city is encircled by government troops and allied militias. While these claims are credible, they require further verification.
The capture of the airport has significant implications for the region's humanitarian situation. With flights cancelled, the airport's control determines who can access the region and who can leave. The history of the conflict suggests that access to Tigray will be a central humanitarian concern. The international community is watching closely, with the US State Department urging restraint and a return to dialogue.
The conflict has also spilled over into diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and its neighbours. The federal government in Addis Ababa has severed diplomatic ties with Eritrea, accusing it of backing the rebel alliance. Eritrea, along with Sudan and Egypt, denies the accusation. This development has raised concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Analysts believe that the fall of Mekelle is unlikely to end the conflict, as the TPLF-led alliance has survived and returned before. The 2020 war demonstrated that taking a city and winning a conflict are distinct achievements. For the people of Mekelle, the immediate concern is whether the gunfire outside the centre moves closer and whether essential services remain operational.
The international community remains concerned about the potential for a wider regional conflict. The Horn of Africa has experienced significant turmoil in recent years, and another military conflict and humanitarian crisis would have devastating consequences. The US State Department has urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to show maximum restraint and return to the dialogue and cooperation of their 2018 peace framework.
Key points
- The Ethiopian federal forces have recaptured the Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle.
- The conflict has significant humanitarian implications, with concerns about access to the region and the potential for a wider regional conflict.
- Analysts believe that the fall of Mekelle is unlikely to end the conflict, which may continue to escalate.
