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Renewed fighting between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters has begun in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, leading to the suspension of flights, security and diplomatic sources told AFP on Thursday.
The resurgence of hostilities raises fears of a return to large-scale conflict in the region, which saw a devastating war between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from November 2020 to November 2022, a conflict the African Union estimates killed at least 600,000 people, though some experts consider the toll understated.
Clashes recently broke out in Tsemlet, in western Tigray, an area claimed by Amhara regional forces who have refused to withdraw despite a 2022 Pretoria peace agreement mandating their departure.
A security source described the situation as “deteriorating,” while a diplomatic source stated that Tigrayan forces were confronting the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) alongside Amhara militias.
“The clashes were confirmed in recent days, but today the exact situation is unclear,” the diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Local sources also confirmed the fighting, while the federal army has not issued a statement.
Sources reported that Ethiopian Airlines, the country’s state-owned carrier and the only airline serving the northern region, had suspended flights to Tigray.
The TPLF, which formerly controlled all of Ethiopia before being displaced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, remains banned.
Addis Ababa has accused the group of collaborating with neighbouring Eritrea and preparing for renewed military operations against the state.
Despite the 2022 peace agreement, tensions remain high in Tigray, and hundreds of thousands of people are still displaced.
