Sourced fact
The News
The Ethiopian government forces have announced that they have regained control of Alula Aba Nega airport in Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, which was previously captured by rebel groups last week. Unnamed government sources reported to news agencies that the Ethiopian federal forces now control the airport. An Ethiopian military officer told the Associated Press, "The army has full control of the airport, and that's what I can confirm."
These developments follow a severe military escalation in the Tigray region, which has seen some of the worst violence since the end of the civil war in 2022. However, neither side has issued any official statement regarding control over Mekelle, complicating reports due to communication disruptions and media access restrictions.
Recent developments suggest the potential for a return to civil war in Ethiopia. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) announced that it would continue guerrilla attacks on government forces, citing that this strategy was previously used when losing control of Mekelle in 2020. The TPLF aims to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and the civil war that lasted from 2020 to 2022 resulted in over 600,000 deaths.
The military escalation in northern Ethiopia has increased tensions across the region, raising fears of a regional conflict in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea have closed their embassies and expelled diplomats, heightening tensions. The African Union has expressed concern over the growing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea and Egypt, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
It is noted that the TPLF is accused by the Ethiopian government of receiving support from Eritrea, which in turn is accused of seeking to seize Ethiopia's Red Sea ports. In response, Debretsion Gebremichael, the head of the TPLF, stated in a video message: "This is a regional war that concerns the Red Sea."
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, the advance of Ethiopian government forces in Tigray marks significant developments in the conflict that has been ongoing since 2020. The Ethiopian government faces major challenges in controlling the region, where the rebels are supported by neighboring countries such as Eritrea.
In the broader context, these developments raise concerns about the potential spread of the conflict in the Horn of Africa. With Ethiopia accusing Eritrea of providing support to the rebels, relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly, threatening stability in the region.
A peaceful and diplomatic solution to the conflict in Tigray is needed, as the African Union is urging all parties to calm down and exercise patience. However, ongoing tensions suggest a continued risk of conflict escalation in the future.
