The short version
- The Tigray People's Liberation Front has temporarily pulled troops from Mekelle to protect civilians as government forces advance.
- Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been severed, with Addis Ababa accusing Asmara of backing rebel alliances.
- Leaders from Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea met in El-Alamein to urge restraint and address regional sovereignty concerns.
Rebel forces affiliated with the Tigray People's Liberation Front have announced a temporary withdrawal from Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. The group stated that the decision to relocate its fighters was driven by urgent concerns regarding the safety of civilians as national army units moved closer to the city. This development represents a significant tactical shift in the ongoing conflict, which has intensified over recent weeks across parts of Tigray, Afar, and Amhara.
Local residents in Mekelle confirmed that pro-government troops now hold control of the urban center, noting that rebel fighters have abandoned their positions. One inhabitant reported that mobile phone services, which had been disrupted during the fighting, appeared to be returning in certain areas of the city. The TPLF, which has governed the region since the end of the previous civil war, framed the retreat as a protective measure rather than a defeat, emphasizing the need to minimize harm to non-combatants amidst escalating hostilities.
The current violence marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the federal government and regional armed groups. Tensions had been rising for six months following the 2022 Pretoria Agreement, which was brokered by the African Union to end a devastating two-year civil war. Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of that peace deal. Last month, the TPLF consolidated its position by joining an alliance with six other armed movements, including the Fano militia from the Amhara region. This coalition has explicitly stated its objective is to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government from power.
The conflict carries profound historical weight and humanitarian risks. The previous civil war was among the deadliest of this century, with African Union mediators estimating that approximately 600,000 people died as fighting pushed the region toward famine. Residents are still recovering from those years of devastation. The United Nations has warned that the current security deterioration is severely disrupting humanitarian operations, calling on all parties to ensure safe and unhindered access for aid workers serving vulnerable populations.
Regional stability is increasingly fragile as diplomatic ties fracture. Ethiopia and Eritrea severed formal diplomatic relations earlier this week after Addis Ababa accused Asmara of supporting the new rebel alliance. Eritrea denied these allegations. Simultaneously, tensions with Egypt have escalated; Ethiopia expelled an Egyptian diplomat over accusations that Cairo was backing the rebels, prompting Egypt to order an Ethiopian embassy official to leave in retaliation. These diplomatic ruptures underscore the deep mistrust between Addis Ababa and its neighbors.
In response to the growing crisis, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan convened in the coastal city of El-Alamein on Sunday. The meeting aimed to address the potential for wider destabilization in the Horn of Africa. The four presidents issued a joint statement calling for respect for state sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. They emphasized that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and adherence to international law, while rejecting unilateral measures that could harm downstream countries.
The diplomatic gathering also touched on long-standing water disputes, particularly regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River. Egypt has long feared that the dam will reduce its share of river water. The joint statement from the El-Alamein meeting appeared to reference these tensions, affirming non-interference in internal affairs while highlighting the need for cooperative management of shared resources. The US Department of State also weighed in, urging restraint and dialogue ahead of further diplomatic engagements.
Observers warn that the fighting could draw in neighboring countries and further destabilize the region. Ethiopia has accused Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan of supporting Tigray rebels, claims those nations deny. As pro-government forces consolidate their hold on Mekelle, the immediate future remains uncertain. The withdrawal by the TPLF may provide a brief respite for civilians in the city, but the broader political and military standoff shows no signs of resolution. The coming weeks will likely determine whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a wider regional conflagration.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC World↗Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital
