Ethiopia faces escalating conflict as Tigray rebels declare total war

Conflict in northern Ethiopia is escalating as Tigrayan rebels declare a “total war” against the federal government. The resurgence of fighting has placed significant pressure on regional stability, with the African Union reporting the occupation of airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire by Tigrayan forces, alongside the detention of federal personnel.

A new alliance has emerged involving seven armed groups, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Amhara Fano movement, both of whom aim to overthrow the government of Abiy Ahmed. While these groups were on opposing sides during the 2020-2022 conflict, they are now coordinating efforts against the federal army.

Ethiopian military Chief of Staff Birhanu Jula has accused Eritrea and Sudan of providing support to separatist groups. He stated that the military is fighting organized forces aided by external powers to serve foreign interests. Meanwhile, humanitarian reports indicate that the fall of Erebti in the Afar region to rebels has already caused approximately 150,000 displacements, raising fears of a major humanitarian catastrophe.