GhanaEthiopia Retakes Tigray Capital
Renewed fighting sparks fears of prolonged conflict and displacement, with the Tigray People's Liberation Front withdrawing from Mekelle. The capture of the city marks a major development in the conflict.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters have retaken Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, amid renewed fighting. The Tigray People's Liberation Front confirmed its withdrawal from the city, citing concerns about risks to civilians.
The development comes less than four years after the Ethiopian government and the TPLF signed the Pretoria agreement, which ended two years of devastating fighting. However, key issues, including the status of disputed territories and the disarmament of Tigrayan forces, remained unresolved.
Berihu, a 32-year-old bajaj driver in Shire, expressed his concerns about the renewed fighting, saying it felt like the region was going through the same experience as before. The 2020-2022 war killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions.
The African Union-facilitated agreement was meant to bring peace to the region, but the TPLF accused the federal government of failing to implement key provisions. The federal government rejected this characterisation, saying it remained committed to the peace process.
The US Department of State called for restraint and dialogue on all sides ahead of a diplomatic meeting about the conflict in Egypt. The presidents of Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan met to discuss the conflict and called for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
The conflict has sparked concerns among observers that the fighting could further destabilise the Horn of Africa, potentially drawing in neighbouring countries. Ethiopia accuses Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan of supporting the Tigray rebels, which they deny.
The TPLF joined six other armed movements to form an alliance aimed at removing Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government from power. The civil war was one of the most deadly conflicts this century, with an estimated 600,000 people killed.
The situation in Tigray remains volatile, with residents trying to recover from the devastating two-year civil war. The renewed fighting has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and displacement.
Key facts
- Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters have retaken Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region.
- The Tigray People's Liberation Front has withdrawn from the city, citing concerns about risks to civilians.
- The renewed fighting has sparked fears of prolonged conflict and displacement.
- The conflict has the potential to further destabilise the Horn of Africa.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The situation in Tigray is complex, with both sides accusing each other of violating the Pretoria agreement. The international community is calling for restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict. The outcome of the conflict is uncertain, with potential implications for the region.
Positive
The US Department of State's call for restraint and dialogue is a constructive step towards resolving the conflict. The meeting of the presidents of Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan to discuss the conflict is also a positive development. A peaceful resolution to the conflict could bring stability to the region.
Negative
The renewed fighting in Tigray has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and displacement. The conflict has already caused significant humanitarian suffering, and the situation could worsen if a peaceful resolution is not found. The involvement of neighbouring countries could also escalate the conflict.
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