Rebel forces in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region have announced a temporary withdrawal from the regional capital, Mekelle, as fighting with the national army progresses towards the city. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has governed the region, stated that the decision to relocate was made due to concerns for civilian safety. Two residents in Mekelle reported to the BBC that pro-government forces now control the city and that TPLF fighters have vacated it. One resident noted that mobile phone services have resumed in parts of the city.
Recent weeks have seen renewed fighting between the TPLF, allied groups, and government forces in northern regions including Tigray, Afar, and Amhara. TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael indicated that while the group is leaving Mekelle temporarily, the situation remains fluid, and they will continue operations from another location. He characterized the move as a strategic decision, stating, "We will attack the enemy where we choose, not where he chooses for us."
During the civil war from 2020 to 2022, the TPLF also withdrew from Mekelle and engaged in guerrilla tactics after losing control of the city to federal forces. This recent development is seen as a significant change in the conflict and raises concerns that it could further destabilize the Horn of Africa, potentially involving neighboring countries.
The US Department of State has called for restraint and dialogue from all parties ahead of a diplomatic meeting in Egypt involving leaders from Ethiopia's neighboring countries. The presidents of Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan convened in El-Alamein, Egypt, where they emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
Ethiopia has accused Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan of supporting the Tigray rebels, which these nations deny. Duke Burbridge, an American doctor with the Health Professionals Network for Tigray, reported that the situation in Mekelle has been calm since the rebels' withdrawal, aside from some incidents of gunfire and looting shortly after. He noted that telecommunications services, previously cut, have been restored, and residents have returned to normal activities, although some food items remain scarce in markets.
Residents of Tigray have been attempting to recover from the devastating civil war that concluded in 2022 with a peace deal brokered by the African Union, known as the Pretoria Agreement. However, relations have worsened in the past six months, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. Last month, the TPLF formed an alliance with six other armed movements, including the Fano militia from Amhara, aiming to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
The civil war is estimated to have resulted in approximately 600,000 deaths, with the region facing severe famine conditions. On Friday, Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic relations after Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting a new rebel alliance, which Eritrea denied. Ethiopia has also accused Egypt of backing the rebels, leading to diplomatic expulsions between the two countries.
The United Nations has warned that the deteriorating security situation in northern Ethiopia is severely disrupting humanitarian efforts and has called for all parties to ensure safe access for humanitarian assistance. Ethiopia and Egypt have been engaged in a prolonged dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River, which Egypt fears could diminish its water supply. The leaders meeting in Egypt reaffirmed their commitment to respecting sovereignty and non-interference in regional affairs while calling for adherence to international law regarding Nile water usage.