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Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital Mekelle
Overview
Rebel forces in Ethiopia's Tigray region, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), have withdrawn from the regional capital, Mekelle, citing risks to civilians as fighting with the national army intensifies. Pro-government forces have taken control of the city. This escalation follows recent months of worsening relations and fresh fighting that threatens to destabilise the wider region, drawing diplomatic concern and leading to severed diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Key points
- Tigray rebel forces (TPLF) temporarily withdrew from the regional capital, Mekelle, to protect civilians.
- Residents confirmed that pro-government forces now control Mekelle and mobile phone services have partially resumed.
- Fresh fighting has erupted recently between the TPLF and federal forces across Tigray, Afar, and Amhara.
- The renewed conflict follows a worsening of relations over the last six months, straining the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea recently severed diplomatic ties after Addis Ababa accused Asmara of supporting a new rebel alliance.
- The United Nations warned that the deteriorating security situation is disrupting humanitarian work in northern Ethiopia.