The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebels are abandoning their regional capital, Mekelle, in northern Ethiopia, as pro-government forces advance on the city. According to a local journalist and residents, the rebels are leaving the city, and government offices and police stations have been left without security personnel. This development has raised concerns about the potential for looting and lawlessness in the city.
The conflict in northern Ethiopia began on September 23, when the TPLF launched attacks into neighboring states, sparking fears of a return to the devastating 2020-2022 civil war. However, federal forces and pro-government militias have pushed the rebels back and are heading north towards Mekelle, having seized the city's airport on Friday. The airport, located roughly 10 kilometers outside the city, was taken by a pro-government militia of Tigrayans.
The TPLF's leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, said in a video published late Thursday that the war is regional and aimed at controlling the Red Sea. The conflict has also triggered a breakdown in Ethiopia's relations with Eritrea and Egypt, who it accuses of supporting the rebels. Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and shut its embassy in Asmara on Thursday, while Eritrea responded by severing all diplomatic ties.
Eritrea has long feared that landlocked Ethiopia plans to invade and seize access to its coastline. In response to Ethiopia's actions, Eritrea said it would take measures to protect its interests. Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat without explanation, prompting a reciprocal move by Cairo. The escalating tensions between Ethiopia and its neighbors have raised concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region.
The rebels initially made advances in neighboring Afar and Amhara states, working alongside local militias. However, they were pushed back this week, and the government launched a counter-offensive into Tigrayan territory along three axes towards Mekelle. According to the Critical Threats Project, part of the American Enterprise Institute think tank, the government forces are making significant gains in the region.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the security situation in Mekelle, with many fearing for their safety and the potential for looting and lawlessness. One resident told AFP that they want a quick return to law and order, while another expressed worry about the exposure of government and public property to looting. The situation in Mekelle remains uncertain, with federal forces yet to be seen inside the city.
The humanitarian situation in the region is also a concern, with reports that the TPLF has been entirely pushed out of Afar. A humanitarian source told AFP on condition of anonymity that the rebels have lost control of the area. The conflict has already had a significant impact on the region, with many people affected by the fighting and displacement.
Key points
- The Tigray rebels are abandoning their regional capital, Mekelle, as pro-government forces advance on the city.
- The conflict has triggered a breakdown in Ethiopia's relations with Eritrea and Egypt, who it accuses of supporting the rebels.
- The humanitarian situation in the region is a concern, with reports of displacement and loss of control of areas by the TPLF.
