Ethiopian Forces Capture Mekelle Amid Renewed Fighting in Tigray

The capture of Tigray’s regional capital Mekelle by Ethiopian federal forces and allied Tigray Peace Force fighters has raised concerns about a return to prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) confirmed on Saturday that it had withdrawn from Mekelle, stating that its regional administration would temporarily operate from another location. Government forces and allied fighters entered the city on Saturday, with sources confirming their control to Reuters on Sunday. This development follows the Pretoria agreement signed in November 2022, which ended two years of fighting but left key issues unresolved, including the status of disputed territories and the disarmament of Tigrayan forces. In July, the TPLF claimed the agreement had collapsed, while the federal government maintained its commitment to the peace process. The renewed conflict has seen military tensions rise, with reports of clashes and drone strikes in Tigray. The capture of Mekelle marks a significant escalation, putting the city at the center of renewed fighting. Residents in Addis Ababa have expressed alarm, recalling the previous war's consequences. Diplomatic sources reported explosions in the capital, with claims of drone strikes against military facilities, which could not be independently verified. The current fighting involves a broader range of actors than the previous Tigray war, with the TPLF part of an opposition alliance that includes armed groups from various regions. Fighting has also spread into Afar, and relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated, leading to the closure of Ethiopia’s embassy in Asmara. The TPLF characterized its withdrawal as a tactical decision to prevent further destruction, indicating that it would continue the conflict from other positions. The federal government views the capture of Mekelle as a step towards restoring control over the region. Preparations are underway to establish a new interim administration in Tigray, with plans for regional elections. The competing narratives leave the future of the conflict uncertain, with fears of displacement and humanitarian crises resurfacing among residents. Many in Tigray are calling for an end to the fighting, hoping for peace after years of suffering.