Ethiopia’s army chief accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing armed alliance seeking to oust Abiy Ahmed
Ethiopia faces a severe internal crisis as seven armed groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Army, and Amhara Fano forces, unite under the Alliance for Survival to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The coalition has seized regional airports, prompting a federal military offensive in Tigray. Meanwhile, Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of violating its sovereignty and demands a troop withdrawal. The conflict threatens regional stability in the Horn of Africa as the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement shatters.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ The Alliance for Survival formed in September 2026 with the aim of overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- ✓ Ethiopia’s chargé d’affaires in Paris, Sebsibe Bade Adbeb, stated that Addis Ababa is acting in self-defence and demanded the withdrawal of Eritrean troops.
What changed
Ethiopia's chargé d’affaires in Paris demanded the withdrawal of Eritrean troops and accused Eritrea of violating Ethiopian sovereignty.
Live updates
-
Ethiopian Army Chief Accuses Neighbors of Backing Rebel Alliance
Ethiopia faces a severe internal crisis as seven armed groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Army, and Amhara Fano forces, unite under the Alliance for Survival to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The coalition has seized regional airports, prompting a federal military offensive in Tigray. Meanwhile, Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of violating its sovereignty and demands a troop withdrawal. The conflict threatens regional stability in the Horn of Africa as the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement shatters.
Why it matters
The resurgence of armed conflict follows a dormant period after the 2020 to 2022 civil war between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Addis Ababa defends its current military offensive as an act of self-defense against foreign and domestic threats. The involvement of neighboring states and the collapse of the Pretoria peace deal heighten risks for civilians across the region.
What is confirmed
- The Alliance for Survival formed in September 2026 with the aim of overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- Ethiopia’s chargé d’affaires in Paris, Sebsibe Bade Adbeb, stated that Addis Ababa is acting in self-defence and demanded the withdrawal of Eritrean troops.
Still unconfirmed
- Ethiopia’s army chief accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing the armed alliance seeking to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- Eritrea is providing financial backing to the Alliance for Survival and fighting alongside Amhara's Fano militia and the Oromo Liberation Army.
What to watch next
- Official responses from Cairo and Khartoum regarding the accusations from Ethiopia's military leadership.
- Further developments regarding the federal military offensive in Tigray and regional airport security.
- Potential diplomatic actions by international bodies concerning the collapse of the Pretoria peace agreement.
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.cfr.org — Latest News – Conflict in Ethiopia | Global Conflict Tracker
- www.arabnews.com — Ethiopia - Arab News
- www.theafricangazette.com — Ethiopia Defends Military Offensive in Tigray, Accuses ...
-
Ethiopia Chief Accuses Neighbors of Backing Seven-Group Alliance
Ethiopian Defense Chief of Staff Berhanu Jula accuses three neighboring countries of waging war against Ethiopia, pointing to foreign backing for anti-government forces. This escalation comes as seven armed groups across Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia form a united front led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Army, and Amhara Fano forces. The alliance aims to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, posing a severe challenge to Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, the Pretoria peace agreement faces mounting strain as renewed fighting threatens civilians and regional stability across the Horn of Africa.
Why it matters
The coalition of opposition factions brings together groups that previously fought both the government and each other across multiple regions. This domestic military consolidation intersects with long-running geopolitical disputes involving neighboring states over regional influence and security. Sustained instability in Ethiopia threatens broader Horn of Africa security as internal armed resistance hardens.
What is confirmed
- Seven armed groups have formed a united front against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Army, and Amhara Fano forces.
- Ethiopian Defense Chief of Staff Berhanu Jula has accused neighboring countries of waging war against Ethiopia.
Still unconfirmed
- Egypt and Sudan are attracting attention regarding developments with the newly united Ethiopian armed groups.
- Weapons shipments are moving through Massawa in connection with foreign support for TPLF forces.
What to watch next
- Whether the seven-group coalition maintains military and political cohesion.
- Official responses from the governments of Egypt and Sudan regarding the accusations.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.alestiklal.net — After Fighting Each Other: Why Did Seven Ethiopian Armed ...
- www.thegenocidereport.org — Ethiopia’s Collapsing Peace Crisis | Dispatches from the Field
- kulu-media.com — Ethiopia Eritrea TPLF Accusations Escalate | Kulu Media
- borkena.com — Berhanu Jula’s Accusations and the Geopolitical Interests ...
-
Ethiopia Army Chief Accuses Egypt and Sudan of Backing Alliance
Ethiopia's army chief accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing an armed alliance aiming to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, compounding ongoing regional volatility. This escalation follows renewed fighting in the Tigray region and ties into broader geopolitical disputes over Nile water resources and Red Sea access. The African Union Commission has expressed deep concern regarding mounting friction between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt, urging maximum restraint to protect regional peace and stability. Meanwhile, separate disputes persist over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, border demarcations, and drone strikes in Sudan.
Why it matters
Decades of friction over Nile River geopolitics and regional rivalries continue to shape tensions in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed previously won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for making peace with neighboring Eritrea, but relations soured as domestic conflicts and external disputes intensified. The current confrontation builds upon unresolved issues stemming from the 1990 Pretoria Agreement and aligns with overlapping regional disputes involving the United Arab Emirates and Sudan.
What is confirmed
- The African Union Commission is closely following with concern the heightened tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt.
- Renewed clashes in the Tigray region mark a continuation of unresolved issues stemming from the 1990 Pretoria Agreement.
Still unconfirmed
- Ethiopia's army chief has accused Egypt and Sudan of backing an armed alliance seeking to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
What to watch next
- Formal responses from the governments of Egypt and Sudan regarding the Ethiopian army chief's allegations
- Further diplomatic interventions by the African Union Commission to de-escalate tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.alestiklal.net — How Clashes Are Escalating in Tigray and the Conflict Is ...
- au.int — Statement of the AU Commission on the Escalating Tensions ...
- wtop.com — A look at how Ethiopia’s wars, sea ambitions and Nile dam ...
- www.alestiklal.net — From Abu Dhabi to Bahir Dar: How Did Ethiopia Become an ...
- martinplaut.com — Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt – the key issues behind the ...
-
Ethiopia Appoints Caretaker Tigray Government Amid Wider War Fears
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed a caretaker administration for Tigray to organise elections within six months after fighting resumed with a rebel alliance. This domestic insurgency coincides with disputes over Red Sea access and Nile waters, heightening the risk of a regional conflict involving Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan. The earlier 2020-2022 Tigray war resulted in an estimated 500,000 civilian deaths from violence, famine, and collapsing health services, according to researchers at Ghent University. Meanwhile, alternative routes through Somaliland and the Ankara Declaration remain unfulfilled as regional opposition mounts.
Why it matters
Ethiopia continues to face severe domestic and international friction driven by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's pursuit of Red Sea access and disputes over Nile waters. These tensions destabilize a Horn of Africa nation still struggling to recover from the devastating two-year conflict that ended in late 2022. External actors like Egypt and Sudan are accused of fueling domestic opposition, compounding the challenge of managing multi-front insurgencies near the Eritrean border.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed a caretaker government to stabilise Tigray and prepare for an election within six months.
- The Tigray People's Liberation Front led an offensive against Abiy's government last month.
- Researchers at Ghent University estimated that the 2020-2022 war caused 500,000 civilian deaths through violence, famine, and collapsed health services.
Still unconfirmed
- Eritrean dictator Isaias Afwerki and Egypt are supporting anti-Abiy separatism and terrorism.
- Alternative routes for Red Sea access through Somaliland and the Ankara Declaration remain unfulfilled.
What to watch next
- Progression of the caretaker administration's efforts to hold elections in Tigray within six months.
- Military developments along the Eritrea-Ethiopia border as federal troops engage the rebel alliance.
- Concrete diplomatic or military moves regarding Ethiopia's pursuit of Red Sea access and Nile water disputes.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- fortune.com — Ethiopia conflict raises fears of wider war with Eritrea and ...
- www.cnbcafrica.com — Ethiopia’s Abiy names new Tigray government, wants polls in six months | CNBC Africa
- www.latimes.com — A look at how Ethiopia’s wars, sea ambitions and Nile dam ...
- raiagroup.org — Abiy Ahmed COLD in his Quest for Red Sea Access
- redseanexus.org — Rubio Calls Anti-Abiy Armed Coalition “Separatists ...
-
Ethiopian Forces Push Toward Eritrea Amid Regional Accusations
Ethiopian military forces are expanding control in Tigray as fighting resumes, bringing the conflict close to Eritrea's border. Addis Ababa seeks long-awaited access to the Red Sea, raising tensions across the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia's military accuses Sudan and Egypt of backing Tigray rebels seeking to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Sudan denies these aid claims while alleging that the Rapid Support Forces receive support within Ethiopia. Meanwhile, the United States has called for de-escalation as global observers warn that the fragile peace is shattering under the weight of advancing troops and drones.
Why it matters
The renewed civil war strains regional ties as powers from the Horn of Africa and the Middle East are drawn into the expanding conflict. Past tensions over disputed territories, regional security forces, and Nile River control complicate diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting. Observers warn that the volatile situation risks turning into a broader global crisis requiring urgent political settlement.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopia's military accuses Sudan and Egypt of backing Tigray rebels.
- Sudan denies aid claims and alleges that the Rapid Support Forces receive support within Ethiopia.
- Eritrea denies troop movement inside northern Ethiopia.
- The United States called for de-escalation.
Still unconfirmed
- Addis Ababa may seize an opportunity to secure access to the Red Sea due to wins in Tigray.
What to watch next
- Any official military engagement between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces
- Diplomatic interventions by the United States or international bodies to enforce a de-escalation
- Shifts in the positions of Sudan and Egypt regarding the Tigray rebels
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- responsiblestatecraft.org — High on wins in Tigray, Ethiopia now has Eritrea in its crosshairs
- www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopian forces expand control in Tigray as militia claims ...
- www.middleeastmonitor.com — Why Ethiopia and Eritrea’s march to war demands global ...
- www.hindustantimes.com — New conflict in Ethiopia can become a global problem
- www.kenews.co.ke — Ethiopia accuses Sudan and Egypt of backing Tigray rebels as ...
- paulndiho.substack.com — Ethiopian Forces Tigray Gains Bring the War to Eritrea's Door
-
Ethiopian War Pulls in Regional Rivals Amid Escalating Tensions
Renewed civil war in northern Ethiopia involving the Tigray People's Liberation Front and a broader opposition coalition is straining ties with regional neighbors. Field Marshal Birhanu Jula accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the armed alliance seeking to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Diplomatic efforts have failed to halt the expanding conflict, which draws in powers from the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. Meanwhile, internet connections are mostly down in northern Ethiopia as armored vehicles deploy in Alamata, deepening regional rifts tied to Nile River control and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Why it matters
Disputes over Nile River control and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have fueled diplomatic friction and accusations between Egypt and Ethiopia. The renewed northern conflict tests fragile regional stability, drawing external powers into domestic Ethiopian turmoil. Sudan walks a diplomatic tightrope as its armed forces leadership issues mixed signals regarding potential clashes with Addis Ababa.
What is confirmed
- Tigray's renewed war is testing Ethiopia's regional ties as powers in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East are drawn toward the conflict.
- Issues stemming from Nile River control have escalated into diplomatic disputes and accusations between Egypt and Ethiopia.
Still unconfirmed
- The head of the Sudanese Armed Forces is attempting to reassure Brussels that he does not wish to clash with Addis Ababa, while his chief of staff warns of an imminent Ethiopian threat.
- Ethiopian army chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of backing the armed alliance seeking to oust Abiy Ahmed.
What to watch next
- Any official military interventions by Sudan, Egypt, or Eritrea in the northern Ethiopian conflict.
- Developments regarding the internet blackout and armored vehicle movements in Alamata.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Will Ethiopia’s neighbours intervene as Tigray war escalates?
- enterpriseam.com — Breaking down the latest on the Egypt-Ethiopia front
- martinplaut.com — The Fighting in Ethiopia is part of a far bigger conflict
- www.africaintelligence.com — Ethiopia/Sudan • Burhan's Ethiopian tightrope
-
Ethiopia Accuses Neighbors of Backing Opposition Alliance
Renewed civil conflict in northern Ethiopia has intensified as a new armed alliance challenges Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed across the Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions. The Ethiopian National Defense Force commander-in-chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of backing the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the broader opposition coalition. Ethiopia and Sudan are currently trading accusations over regional conflicts, while fighting deepens rifts related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Meanwhile, internet connections remain mostly down in northern Ethiopia as armored vehicles appear in the city of Alamata.
Why it matters
The resurgence of war follows a fragile peace deal and deepening rivalries between Addis Ababa and its neighbors. A recent meeting in Alamein between the leaders of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea has added to regional anxieties regarding a potential security pact against Ethiopia. These diplomatic fractures coincide with parallel conflicts, including a US envoy meeting the Sudanese army chief as Sudan fights its own internal war.
What is confirmed
- Three militias from the Tigray People's Liberation Front-led alliance have been fighting the Ethiopian National Defense Force in northern Ethiopia.
- Ethiopian army commander Field Marshal Birhanu Jula accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the TPLF.
- Renewed fighting has spread across Ethiopia's Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
Still unconfirmed
- Ethiopia and Sudan are actively managing a proxy war through mutual support of domestic armed opponents.
What to watch next
- Official responses or denials from the governments of Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea regarding the Ethiopian military accusations.
- Observable movements or supply shifts along the borders between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Eritrea.
- Further spread or containment of combat operations involving the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- eastleighvoice.co.ke — The Sudan connection: Is Ethiopia at risk of a proxy war?
- www.thenationalnews.com — Why has war returned to Ethiopia?
- sierraleonews.com — Northern Ethiopia Fighting Spreads Across Three Regions
- www.yahoo.com — US envoy meets Sudanese army chief in Egypt
- en.majalla.com — Have Ethiopia's neighbours formed an alliance against it?
- breakthroughnews.org — Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia escalate, as fighting in ...
- eurafrica.info — The Sudan connection: Is Ethiopia at risk of a proxy war?
-
Ethiopia Expels Diplomats as Regional Tensions Surge
Ethiopia has expelled Eritrean and Egyptian diplomats following accusations from the army chief that Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt are backing armed opposition groups attempting to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia involves three militias led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front engaged against the Ethiopian National Defense Force. Meanwhile, four African leaders have issued a joint declaration calling for talks to end the civil war in Sudan, while internet connections remain mostly down in northern Ethiopia as social media pictures show tanks in the city of Alamata.
Why it matters
The escalation pulls multiple Horn of Africa nations into a widening confrontation that risks regional destabilization. Old rivalries, territorial disputes, and shifting alliances are actively reshaping the northern conflict as combat zones expand. The Sudanese Armed Forces have previously rejected similar accusations from Addis Ababa.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of backing armed opposition groups and rebel troops in the north.
- Ethiopia has expelled Eritrean and Egyptian diplomats over allegations of supporting armed groups seeking to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- Egyptian, Eritrean, Somali, and Sudanese leaders issued a joint declaration calling for talks to end the civil war in Sudan.
- Militias led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front have been fighting the Ethiopian National Defense Force in northern Ethiopia.
Still unconfirmed
- Rebel troops have captured several strategic towns in the northern region amid a resurgence of fighting.
- The Sudanese Armed Forces have rejected the accusations made by Addis Ababa.
What to watch next
- Official responses from Egypt and Eritrea regarding the diplomatic expulsions.
- Further updates on internet connectivity restoration in northern Ethiopia.
- Developments regarding the joint declaration by the four African leaders.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- von.gov.ng — Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea, Sudan, Egypt of Backing Armed Groups
- www.aljazeera.com — How the fighting in Ethiopia spread beyond Tigray, in maps ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Four African leaders issue joint declaration as Ethiopia war ...
- www.dw.com — Tigray: Is Ethiopia at risk of a proxy war? - dw.com
- hiiraan.com — Ethiopia’s army chief accuses Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of ...
- somalireport.com — Ethiopia Expels Eritrean, Egyptian Diplomats Over Rebel ...
-
Ethiopia Accuses Neighbors of Backing Rebels
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula has accused Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea of supporting an armed rebel alliance attempting to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Rebel troops have captured several strategic towns in the northern region amid a resurgence of fighting, raising alarms of a return to full-scale civil war. The Sudanese Armed Forces have rejected the accusations made by Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, internet disruptions have been detected in northern Ethiopia by web monitors, and foreign nationals remain trapped as combat zones expand.
Why it matters
The accusations mark a sharp escalation in regional diplomatic tensions involving Horn of Africa neighbors and downstream Nile nations. The renewed northern fighting threatens fragile peace efforts following years of devastating conflict in Tigray. Khartoum's explicit denial highlights the diplomatic fallout from Addis Ababa's public claims.
What is confirmed
- Field Marshal Birhanu Jula stated that Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt are supporting rebel troops.
- Rebel troops have captured several strategic towns during renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia.
- The Sudanese Armed Forces rejected allegations that Khartoum is backing armed groups in Ethiopia.
Still unconfirmed
- Foreign powers are supplying Ethiopia's newly formed armed groups alliance.
What to watch next
- Direct diplomatic responses from Egypt and Eritrea regarding the allegations
- Reports from web monitors on the duration and scope of internet disruptions in northern Ethiopia
- Movements regarding the evacuation of trapped foreign nationals
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.yahoo.com — Ethiopia’s army chief accuses Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting Tigray rebels
- kulu-media.com — Birhanu Jula Accuses Foreign Powers of Backing Armed Alliance ...
- www.bbc.co.uk — Ethiopia accuses Sudan, Eritrea of backing armed groups - BBC
- allafrica.com — Ethiopia Accuses Sudan, Eritrea of Backing Tigray Forces As Fighting Escalates - allAfrica.com
-
Ethiopia Army Chief Accuses Egypt and Sudan of Backing Alliance
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Ethiopia's army chief, has accused neighboring Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea of supporting an armed alliance aiming to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This accusation coincides with a resurgence of fighting in the northern Tigray region, stoking fears that the country may slide back into civil war. In response, the Sudanese Armed Forces have rejected the allegations. Meanwhile, web monitors have detected internet disruptions in war-affected northern Ethiopia, and foreign nationals, including Israelis, remain trapped as combats intensify.
Why it matters
Tensions in northern Ethiopia have escalated following the formation of the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Coalition for Survival. The alleged involvement of regional powers like Egypt and Sudan carries major geopolitical implications given longstanding disputes over Nile water projects and regional stability. Ethiopia's military has publicly promised restraint despite the growing hostility.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopia's army chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula accused Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea of backing an armed alliance and rebel troops seeking to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- The Sudanese Armed Forces rejected accusations from Ethiopia that Sudan is supporting armed opposition groups and Tigray fighters.
- Renewed fighting has broken out in northern Ethiopia involving Tigray's TPLF forces and the army, alongside the formation of the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Coalition for Survival.
- Internet disruptions have been observed in war-hit northern Ethiopia according to web monitors.
Still unconfirmed
- The Sudanese Armed Forces are receiving support from within Ethiopia for their rival paramilitary RSF.
What to watch next
- Further official statements or diplomatic responses from Egypt and Eritrea regarding the allegations
- Developments concerning the internet blackout and communications in northern Ethiopia
- Evacuation efforts or updates regarding foreign nationals trapped by the fighting
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
- Reuters — Internet disruption seen in war-hit northern Ethiopia, web monitor says
- BBC — Ethiopia fighting: Are Tigray's TPLF forces and the army heading back to war?
- Al Jazeera — Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war
- Euronews.com — Ethiopia accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing alliance against Abiy
- horn review — Interview with Ambassador General Bacha Debele on Current Developments in Northern Ethiopia, and Eritrea
- The Jerusalem Post — Israelis trapped amid combats in nothern Ethiopia
- abcnews.com — Ethiopia’s army chief accuses Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting Tigray rebels
- somalireport.com — Ethiopia Army Chief Accuses Egypt, Sudan of Backing Armed ...
- thesudantimes.com — Ethiopia accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing armed opposition
- www.yahoo.com — Ethiopia accuses Sudan, Egypt of backing Tigray rebels as ...
- www.radiotamazuj.org — Sudan rejects Ethiopian accusation of backing armed groups
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community