Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
Clashes have intensified between Ethiopian federal forces and the TPLF in western Tigray near the Sudan border. Civilians are fleeing, and both sides accuse the other of violating the Pretoria peace deal. The fighting follows months of deteriorating relations since the Pretoria agreement and raises fears of a wider conflict in the region.
Independent Ethiopian outlets face escalating government pressure. Journalists detained or harassed, offices raided, and licenses revoked as authorities push for tighter control over reporting on unrest and elections. CPJ urges due process and the protection of press freedom.
Eritrea has welcomed the lifting of U.S. sanctions, saying the move removes a political impediment to investment and broader cooperation. Officials cite a shift in U.S. policy and ongoing regional security concerns as drivers for renewed engagement, including talks on trade, Egypt relations, and Red Sea security.
Tigrayan rebels have seized Mekelle’s airport and a regional hub, triggering flight suspensions and signaling renewed instability in northern Ethiopia as rival forces align against the government. Flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire are halted while authorities assess next steps.
Fighting between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian government has intensified, with the TPLF and its allied groups seizing airports and moving across Afar and Amhara. The conflict risks a return to the 2020–22 civil war, prompting international concern over civilian harm and humanitarian access.
UN officials warn of civilian protection risks as fighting in northern Ethiopia intensifies, airports in Mekelle, Shire and Axum are seized, and humanitarian access is disrupted amid drone usage and internet outages. The UN calls for restraint and safe, unimpeded aid delivery as civilians face growing displacement and hunger.
The Tigray Peoplea Liberation Front has intensified clashes with Ethiopian federal forces in Afar, with towns including Abala and Erebti reported to be in fighting. Humanitarian staff warn the violence could expand, while reports place TPLF units in several Afar towns near the Tigray border.
Fights in northern Ethiopia have escalated, with Ethiopian forces clashing with rebel groups in Tigray, Amhara and Afar. Ethiopia has closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, prompting Eritrea to sever ties. The move raises regional tensions and could widen instability across the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia's federal government has moved to intensify operations in Tigray as Eritrean forces are reported to be active alongside allied groups. The conflict has returned to the fore, sparking fears of a regional war and severe humanitarian consequences for millions previously dependent on aid.