Ethiopia’s federal government and authorities in the northern Tigray region have accused each other of launching military operations, raising concerns that a fragile peace agreement could collapse and trigger renewed fighting.
Getachew Reda, a minister and adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, alleged that Tigrayan forces had seized control of airports under federal administration and begun attacks in the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions.
Tigrayan authorities, however, said their forces had been compelled to enter what they described as a “defensive war” following reports of drone attacks across the region.
The latest escalation comes nearly four years after a devastating conflict between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) ended with a peace agreement in 2022.
The two sides have in recent months accused one another of breaching the terms of the deal, fuelling tensions across the region.
The conflict, which lasted two years, was among Africa’s deadliest in recent decades.
An African Union mediator estimated that about 600,000 people died during the war, which also pushed millions towards severe food shortages and famine.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Ethiopian President Taye Astike Selassie said his government had exercised “immense restraint” despite what he described as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
He called on armed groups to respect peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, warning against forces seeking to cause destruction and disorder.
The TPLF, which governs Tigray, announced on Sunday that it had formed an alliance with six other armed organisations seeking to remove the federal government in Addis Ababa.
Getachew accused the TPLF leadership of initiating a major assault on government positions in Afar and Amhara, despite international efforts to prevent another war.
Getachew previously headed Tigray’s interim administration but broke with the TPLF in 2025 before joining the federal government.
The reported takeover of airports has also disrupted air travel, with Ethiopian Airlines suspending services to Tigray.
Residents in Mekelle, the regional capital, told the BBC that local forces took control of the city’s airport from federal police early on Wednesday.
The development came amid reports of drone attacks in different parts of Tigray in recent days.
One Mekelle resident, identified as Fitsum for security reasons, said the city remained largely peaceful, although residents were deeply anxious.
He said economic difficulties had worsened, with many people struggling to access cash after banks experienced shortages.
According to him, residents had increasingly depended on mobile banking, but feared that a communications shutdown could leave many people without access to money.
He also said movement around Mekelle had become limited, with the city unusually quiet as residents remained indoors.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has urged the opposing sides to immediately reduce tensions and return to negotiations.
The United States ambassador to Ethiopia also criticised the TPLF for launching what he described as a large-scale offensive, calling the conflict an “unwinnable fight”.
Meanwhile, Tigrayan officials said at least 14 people were killed and 22 others injured during strikes on the southern town of Alamata on Tuesday.
Mayor Mogos Shiferaw told the BBC that more than five drones and a fighter aircraft conducted over 21 attacks from about 03:30.
He said the bombardment caused widespread fear and psychological distress among residents.
Mogos claimed that civilians were among those killed and accused federal forces of targeting two secondary schools believed to have links with Tigrayan fighters.
He said the schools had previously been used as military bases during the civil war but were empty because the new academic year had not started.
On Wednesday, Tigrayan authorities accused the federal government of carrying out an “open invasion” and called on residents to remain united behind regional forces.
They also alleged that the government had violated international humanitarian and human rights obligations while disrupting essential services and key infrastructure.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong