Ethiopian Rebel Forces Withdraw From Tigray Capital

Rebel forces in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region have temporarily withdrawn from the regional capital, Mekelle, citing concerns for civilian safety as fighting intensifies near the city. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the region, stated its decision to relocate was made to mitigate risks to civilians.

Residents in Mekelle have reported that pro-government forces now control the city, with TPLF forces having departed. Mobile phone services reportedly resumed in some areas of Mekelle. This development marks a significant shift in the conflict that has seen clashes between the TPLF, federal government forces, and allied fighters in Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions in recent weeks.

The conflict has raised international concerns about further destabilizing the Horn of Africa. The U.S. Department of State has called for restraint and dialogue from all parties, ahead of a diplomatic meeting in Egypt concerning the conflict.

The region is still recovering from a devastating two-year civil war that concluded in 2022 with an African Union-brokered peace deal. However, relations have deteriorated in the past six months, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. Last month, the TPLF joined an alliance with six other armed groups, including the Amhara Fano militia, with the stated aim of removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.

The previous civil war was one of the deadliest conflicts of the 21st century, with an estimated 600,000 deaths and pushing the region to the brink of famine, according to an AU mediator.

Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have also been strained, with Ethiopia accusing Asmara of supporting the new rebel alliance, an accusation Eritrea denies. Ethiopia has also accused Egypt of backing rebels, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both nations. The United Nations has warned that the worsening security situation in northern Ethiopia is severely disrupting humanitarian efforts and has urged all parties to ensure safe access for aid.

A pro-government soldier was seen guarding a street in the Tigray region on Sunday.