Ethiopian federal forces have taken full control of Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, following renewed fighting between the military and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on September 23. Local reports indicate that TPLF leaders fled the city, allowing government troops to enter without resistance. The development comes as regional leaders converge on Egypt to address concerns over a potential escalation of conflict.
A mini-summit was held in El-Alamein, Egypt, attended by leaders from Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea. The leaders emphasised the importance of resolving regional disputes peacefully and respecting international law. They also rejected any unilateral actions that could negatively affect countries downstream regarding shared water resources. This meeting comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting the Tigray rebels, a claim that both Eritrea and Sudan deny. As federal troops patrol Mekelle and oversee key institutions, communications have been restored after a week of outages. However, shops remain closed as business owners seek to safeguard their stock amid fears of looting. Residents express relief as the intensity of fighting decreases, yet many remain fearful of the conflict's spread beyond Ethiopia's borders into Eritrea.
The military leader of the TPLF, Debretsion Gebremichael, has indicated that guerrilla attacks may continue, drawing from tactics used in the previous war. The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics until 2018 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, from Oromia, rose to power. This triggered a civil war that lasted from 2020 to 2022 and resulted in over 600,000 deaths, according to the African Union.
Although a peace agreement was brokered in 2022, it was not fully realised, leading to a resurgence of violence. The conflict has significant implications for regional stability, with concerns over the potential escalation of violence beyond Ethiopia's borders. The situation remains volatile, with many fearing the worst-case scenario.
The regional leaders' meeting in Egypt highlights the international community's concerns over the conflict's potential to destabilise the region. The joint statement issued after the summit underscores the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with the TPLF vowing to continue guerrilla attacks, the situation remains uncertain.
As the situation in Tigray continues to unfold, the humanitarian crisis deepens. With many residents still displaced and infrastructure damaged, the need for humanitarian assistance is becoming increasingly urgent. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops in the coming days and weeks.
Key points
- Ethiopian federal forces take control of Mekelle, Tigray's capital, amid renewed fighting with the TPLF.
- Regional leaders meet in Egypt to address concerns over a potential escalation of conflict.
- The conflict has significant implications for regional stability, with concerns over the potential escalation of violence beyond Ethiopia's borders.
