Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Ethiopia Army Promises Restraint Amid Renewed Tigray Fighting

   Ethiopia's federal military is exercising restraint amid escalating tensions in the country's northern region. The situation has triggered widespread fear of a return to full-scale civil war following a rebel offensive launched by Tigray forces against the army. Young men in Tigray are reportedly fleeing the area to escape forced recruitment. Meanwhile, internet disruptions have been documented in the war-affected northern zone as renewed fighting spreads, drawing international concern over regional stability and potential migration crises.

   Why it matters

   The renewed hostilities follow months of aerial strikes by the Ethiopian government, including a reported August airstrike on a residential compound in Tigray. Addis Ababa has accused regional rivals, specifically naming Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt, of backing armed opposition groups to destabilize the nation. The military chief specifically accused Eritrea of funding and supporting these groups.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopia's federal military has stated it is handling rising tensions in the country's north with restraint.
   • Tigray rebels launched an offensive against the Ethiopian army.
   • The army chief accused Eritrea of funding and supporting armed groups to weaken Ethiopia.
   • Internet disruptions have been observed in northern Ethiopia according to a web monitor.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An Ethiopian government airstrike hit a residential compound in the Tigray region on August 20, 2026.

   What to watch next

   • Further official statements or actions from the federal military regarding its promise of restraint
   • Developments regarding the Tigray rebel offensive and potential government counter-operations
   • Official responses from Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt regarding Ethiopia's accusations of backing armed groups
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
   2. The Guardian — Fears of return to war as Tigray rebels launch offensive against Ethiopian army
   3. Reuters — Internet disruption seen in war-hit northern Ethiopia, web monitor says
   4. AP News — Ethiopia risks a wider war. Here are 5 things to know
   5. BBC — Ethiopia fighting: Are Tigray's TPLF forces and the army heading back to war?
   6. ACLED — ACLED ALERTS: Ethiopia Conflict Live
   7. Al Jazeera — Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war
   8. The Telegraph — The rebel offensive threatening to unleash war across Horn of Africa
   9. Le Monde.fr — Ethiopia slides back into war. Who is involved and why?
   10. Euronews.com — Ethiopia accuses Egypt and Sudan of backing alliance against Abiy
   11. horn review — Interview with Ambassador General Bacha Debele on Current Developments in Northern Ethiopia, and Eritrea
   12. The Jerusalem Post — Israelis trapped amid combats in nothern Ethiopia
   confidence 90%