Tigray Rebel Forces Withdraw from Regional Capital Mekelle

Rebel forces in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), have announced a temporary withdrawal from Mekelle, the regional capital. This decision was made due to concerns over civilian safety as fighting with the national army moved closer to the city. Residents in Mekelle told the BBC that pro-government forces now control the city and TPLF fighters have left. Mobile phone services have also reportedly been restored.

Highlights

• The TPLF stated its withdrawal from Mekelle was due to risks to civilians.
• Mekelle residents confirmed government forces are in control and telecommunications are back.
• TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael called the withdrawal a strategic move, indicating the conflict would continue.
• The renewed fighting raises concerns about broader regional destabilization.
• The U.S. Department of State called for restraint and dialogue from all sides.

Details

Recent weeks have seen a resurgence of fighting between the TPLF and allied groups and government forces in parts of the northern regions of Tigray, Afar, and Amhara. TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael stated that while they are leaving Mekelle for the time being, the conflict remains fluid, and the group will "continue its work from another location." He described it as a deliberate strategic move, asserting they would attack the enemy on their own terms. The TPLF adopted a similar tactic during the 2020-2022 civil war, resorting to guerrilla attacks after losing control of Mekelle to federal forces.

This latest outbreak of fighting has raised concerns among observers that the conflict could further destabilize the Horn of Africa. The U.S. Department of State has called for "restraint" and "dialogue" from all sides. Meanwhile, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan met in Egypt, calling for respect for state sovereignty and resolution of disputes through peaceful means. Ethiopia accuses these countries of supporting the Tigray rebels, an allegation they deny. While telecommunication services have been restored, some food items remain unavailable.

Why it matters

This development indicates that the fragile peace, brokered by the African Union in 2022 after a devastating two-year civil war, is once again under threat. The TPLF's withdrawal from Mekelle suggests a new phase in the conflict, potentially involving a return to guerrilla tactics. Concerns about regional instability are growing, with the risk of neighboring countries becoming involved and further disruption to humanitarian aid efforts. The long-standing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River also adds to the regional tensions.