Ethiopian rebel forces, specifically the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), have temporarily withdrawn from the regional capital, Mekelle, due to concerns about risks to civilians. This decision comes as fighting with the national army intensifies and moves towards the city. According to residents, pro-government forces now control the city, and TPLF forces have abandoned it. The situation has raised concerns among observers that the conflict could further destabilize the Horn of Africa.
The conflict between the TPLF and federal government forces has been escalating in recent weeks, with fighting reported in parts of Ethiopia's northern regions of Tigray, Afar, and Amhara. The TPLF had been running the Tigray region but has now formed an alliance with six other armed movements, including the Fano militia from Amhara, with the objective of removing Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government from power. This development has significant implications for regional stability.
The conflict in Tigray has a devastating history, with a two-year civil war that ended in 2022 when the African Union (AU) brokered a peace deal, known as the Pretoria Agreement. However, relations between the TPLF and the federal government have worsened over the past six months, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. The civil war was one of the most deadly conflicts of this century, with estimated fatalities of around 600,000 people.
The situation has prompted international concern, with the US Department of State calling for restraint and dialogue on all sides. A diplomatic meeting about the conflict is set to take place in Egypt, with leaders from some of Ethiopia's neighbors in attendance. The United Nations has warned that the deteriorating security situation in northern Ethiopia is severely disrupting humanitarian work and has called on all sides to guarantee safe and unhindered access to people in need.
The conflict has also had diplomatic repercussions, with Ethiopia and Eritrea severing diplomatic relations with each other. Addis Ababa accused Asmara of supporting a new rebel alliance, an allegation that Eritrea denied. Ethiopia has also accused Egypt of supporting the rebels, leading to the expulsion of an Egyptian diplomat. In response, Cairo ordered an Ethiopian embassy official to leave within the same period.
The humanitarian situation in northern Ethiopia is dire, with the UN warning of severe disruptions to humanitarian work. The conflict has driven the region to the precipice of famine, and there are concerns about the impact on civilians. The international community is urging restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict.
The withdrawal of TPLF forces from Mekelle marks a significant shift in the conflict, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The international community will be watching closely, as the conflict has significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian outcomes.
Key points
- The TPLF has withdrawn from Mekelle due to concerns about civilian safety.
- The conflict has significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian outcomes.
- The international community is urging restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict.
