The United States has warned of potential additional sanctions following a large-scale military offensive launched by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in northern Ethiopia. US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga expressed deep disappointment over the decision by TPLF leaders to reject ongoing peace efforts and pursue a military escalation. The offensive threatens the fragile peace that has held since the Pretoria Agreement formally ended the 2020-2022 civil war.
The renewed hostilities sharply undermine African Union-sponsored dialogue led by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. The US and the European Union had jointly backed Obasanjo's mediation efforts, expressing hope that his diplomatic engagement would help reduce tensions and address humanitarian needs in the region. Massinga stressed that the conflict yields no benefit to the population and cautioned other armed factions against joining the escalation.
Massinga emphasized that Washington retains the punitive tools necessary to target leaders pushing the nation toward further instability. However, the US envoy underscored that a political settlement remains the only viable path forward. He stated that while the US has tools to sanction additional leaders, a reasonable political dialogue is the right way to go. This approach aims to address the nation's challenges through diplomatic means.
The latest flashpoint approaches the four-year milestone of the November 2022 Pretoria Agreement. The peace process has faced persistent strains, with both sides repeatedly trading accusations of non-compliance. Tensions escalated sharply last month when the TPLF announced an alliance with seven other armed groups aimed at challenging Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration.
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Getachew Reda, Minister and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Eastern African Affairs, announced that TPLF forces had seized control of federally administered airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire. The development immediately forced Ethiopian Airlines to suspend all scheduled commercial flights to the region. This seizure has significant implications for regional air travel and transportation.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf issued a statement urging "utmost restraint and immediate de-escalation." He characterized the seizure of the airports as a direct contradiction of the Pretoria Agreement and called upon President Obasanjo to urgently re-engage the concerned parties. The African Union is working to restore calm and promote dialogue.
The situation in northern Ethiopia remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the renewed conflict. The international community is closely monitoring developments and advocating for a peaceful resolution. The US and other stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of dialogue and cooperation to address the nation's challenges.
Key points
- The US has warned of potential additional sanctions against TPLF leaders.
- The African Union is working to restore calm and promote dialogue.
- The conflict threatens the fragile peace in northern Ethiopia.
