Renewed clashes in Tigray spark fears of Ethiopia slipping back into civil war
Fighting between Ethiopia’s federal troops and Tigrayan forces has intensified, raising concerns that the 2022 peace agreement may collapse.
Renewed hostilities between Ethiopia’s national army and Tigray forces have erupted, threatening the November 2022 Pretoria peace accord. The escalation follows the creation of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, a coalition of seven armed movements—including the TPLF, Amhara Fano and the Oromo one outlet Army—aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Core grievances involve the status of western Tigray, the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and accusations that the TPLF retained weapons while the government failed to withdraw allied forces.
Battles have spread into Afar and Amhara, with reports of drone strikes, contested control of towns like Abala, and seizure of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire. The African Union and IGAD have urged an immediate cease-fire and renewed talks, warning of possible wider regional escalation involving Eritrea.
Why it matters
The conflict could undo a fragile peace, reigniting nationwide violence and destabilising the Horn of Africa.
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