Ethiopian Airlines has resumed flights to Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, after a nearly three-week suspension. The airline had stopped routes to the city, as well as Axum and Hire, following the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front's (TPLF) seizure of the city and airport on September 23. The restoration of flights comes after federal forces recaptured Mekelle on October 3, with rebel fighters and their leaders abandoning the city.
The resumption of flights is a significant development, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that there could be about five flights a day, with the possibility of more if demand increases. Passengers arrived at Mekelle airport on Sunday, marking the first time in almost three weeks that commercial flights have operated to the city. The airport was previously seized by the TPLF, but has now been secured by federal forces.
A former Tigray leader, Getachew Reda, who now advises Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, promised "visible change" in the region on Sunday. Speaking to supporters at Mekelle airport, Reda expressed his commitment to bringing about positive change, although he did not elaborate on what this would entail. He was joined by intelligence chief Redwan Hussein, who also greeted supporters at the airport.
The recapture of Mekelle by federal forces has raised hopes that stability may return to the region. However, renewed fighting in Tigray has undermined the 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year civil war. The conflict has caused significant humanitarian concerns, with mounting tensions between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea raising fears of a wider conflict.
The civil war in Tigray caused significant human suffering, with researchers at Ghent University in Belgium estimating that about half a million civilian deaths occurred due to violence, famine, and the collapse of health services. The Tigray People's Liberation Front has since joined six other opposition groups in an alliance seeking to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The situation in Tigray remains fragile, with concerns about the humanitarian situation and the potential for further conflict. The resumption of flights to Mekelle is a positive development, but it remains to be seen whether this will lead to lasting stability in the region. The Ethiopian government and international community will be watching closely to see how events unfold.
Eritrea has recently urged the United Nations to intervene in the standoff with Ethiopia, adding to regional tensions. The situation in Tigray continues to be a source of concern, with the potential for further conflict and humanitarian crisis. The international community will be closely monitoring developments in the region.
Key points
- Ethiopian Airlines resumes flights to Mekelle after federal forces recapture the city from rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front.
- The recapture of Mekelle by federal forces has raised hopes that stability may return to the region.
- Renewed fighting in Tigray has undermined the 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year civil war.
