Intense fighting has erupted in several localities in northern Ethiopia, pitting federal forces against armed groups, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The clashes, which began on Tuesday, have resulted in significant disruptions to communication networks and internet services in the region. According to Netblocks, an international observatory, local internet services have been disrupted, with reports of a total cut-off of telecommunications in Tigray.
The renewed violence in northern Ethiopia comes less than four years after the end of a devastating conflict that claimed over 600,000 lives between 2020 and 2022. The conflict has sparked concerns of a new humanitarian crisis, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressing deep alarm over the escalation of hostilities and their impact on civilians. He has called on all parties to urgently de-escalate tensions and prevent a large-scale conflict.
According to humanitarian sources, violent clashes occurred overnight from Thursday to Friday in the Afar regional state, which borders Tigray. Federal forces reportedly prevented rebels from entering the town of Abala, and a drone strike was carried out on the town. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian federal army claimed that over 700 rebels had been killed and around 500 injured since the resumption of hostilities, although these figures could not be verified.
The conflict has also seen the emergence of a new alliance between seven armed groups opposed to the federal government, including the TPLF, Amhara Fano militia, and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Analysts have expressed skepticism about the alliance's ability to operate effectively, given the groups' differing ideologies and historical rivalries. The TPLF has declared a "total war" against the federal government, with reports of clashes occurring across northern Ethiopia.
The humanitarian situation in Tigray is deteriorating, with civilians stockpiling food and supplies in anticipation of a prolonged conflict. The region is experiencing shortages of basic necessities, including food and medicine. The UN has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis, with concerns about the protection of civilians and access to humanitarian aid.
The conflict has also had an impact on the regional economy, with trade and commerce severely disrupted. The suspension of flights to and from Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has added to the region's isolation. Analysts warn that the conflict could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and security.
The international community remains deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in northern Ethiopia. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue. However, with the conflict showing no signs of abating, concerns about the humanitarian situation and regional stability continue to grow.
Key points
- The conflict in northern Ethiopia has resulted in significant disruptions to communication networks and internet services.
- The humanitarian situation in Tigray is deteriorating, with civilians stockpiling food and supplies in anticipation of a prolonged conflict.
- The conflict has sparked concerns of a new humanitarian crisis, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for an urgent de-escalation of tensions.
