Fighting in northern Ethiopia has intensified, with heavy clashes reported between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government since Wednesday. The TPLF has seized airports and launched attacks into neighboring Ethiopian states of Afar and Amhara, saying they are engaged in a "defensive war" against the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The situation has raised concerns about a new humanitarian crisis in an already troubled region.
A humanitarian source estimates that at least 150,000 people have been displaced in Afar, but notes that precise numbers are difficult to determine. The TPLF has allied with seven armed groups around the country and appears to be repeating a strategy from the last war of pushing south through Amhara towards Addis Ababa. Its offensive in Afar aims to cut supplies from Djibouti, which provides almost all of Ethiopia's international trade cargo, including fuel.
International NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concerns over the situation, citing the risk to civilians and the potential for a humanitarian crisis. "With an uptake in fighting in Ethiopia, we see the risk to civilians spreading at a time when diplomatic attention and scrutiny of the situation have reduced," said Laetitia Bader, deputy director of the Africa division at HRW. The region is already facing devastating human rights and humanitarian crises, including a major crisis in neighboring Sudan.
Ethiopia's army commander, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, has accused Eritrea and Sudan of backing armed groups fighting its troops in the north of the country. He claimed that the TPLF and Eritrea cannot achieve anything alone without external support and supplies from Sudan, Egypt, and other powers. The allegations have not been verified, but they add to the complexity of the conflict.
The conflict has also disrupted communication services, with major disruptions to phone and internet services in Tigray reported since Friday. The headquarters of Tigrai TV, a key outlet for the rebel authorities in the Tigrayan capital, Mekelle, was hit by a drone on Sunday. Many in Tigray fear a repeat of a blockade imposed by the federal government during the 2020-2022 conflict, when electricity, banking, and almost all aid were cut off.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has raised the alarm over the situation, expressing concern about reports of the use of drones and incidents of harm to civilians. His spokesman said Guterres was particularly troubled by the developments and the potential for further humanitarian crises. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations.
The renewed fighting has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict, with analysts warning that the situation could escalate further. The conflict has already had a significant impact on the region, with thousands displaced and many more at risk. The international community is urging restraint and a return to negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Key points
- At least 150,000 people displaced in Afar
- TPLF allies with seven armed groups to fight federal government
- UN chief Antonio Guterres raises alarm over use of drones and civilian harm
