Fighting in northern Ethiopia spurs fears of blackout and blockade

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1. 1h ago

   Fighting in northern Ethiopia spurs fears of blackout and blockade

   Fighting has intensified in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and Tigray rebels, raising fears of a communications blackout and blockade. The conflict has already disrupted telecommunications and internet services in the region. Young men are fleeing Tigray amid fears of forced recruitment. The situation is reminiscent of the 2020-2022 civil war, which killed around 600,000 people.

   Why it matters

   The conflict in northern Ethiopia is a resurgence of tensions between the federal government and the Tigray region, which had a brief period of peace after a landmark agreement in 2022. The region was cut off from the world during the previous civil war, leading to a devastating humanitarian crisis. The current fighting has sparked concerns of a similar blockade and blackout. The international community is watching closely, with the UN voicing grave concern over the deteriorating security situation.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
   • Fighting has intensified in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and Tigray rebels
   • Telecommunications and internet services have been disrupted in the region
   • The 2020-2022 civil war in Tigray killed around 600,000 people
   • Young men are fleeing Tigray amid fears of forced recruitment

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ethiopia's army commander accused Sudan and Egypt of backing Tigray rebels

   What to watch next

   • Further escalation of fighting across northern Ethiopia
   • Humanitarian response and potential blockade
   • International community's reaction and potential intervention
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
   2. CNN — War has returned to Ethiopia’s Tigray — and former enemies are now fighting together. What changed?
   3. Reuters — Internet disruption seen in war-hit northern Ethiopia, web monitor says
   4. Al Jazeera — Fighting in northern Ethiopia spurs fears of blackout and blockade
   5. Foreign Policy — Ethiopia Returns to Civil War
   6. BBC — Ethiopia fighting: Are Tigray's TPLF forces and the army heading back to war?
   7. Al Jazeera — Is Ethiopia on the verge of another civil war as fighting erupts in Tigray?
   8. bahamasspectator.com — Why Canada is not ruling out a possible war with the US - Bahamas Spectator – Bahamas & Caribbean News,....
   9. www.aljazeera.com — Fighting in northern Ethiopia spurs fears of blackout and blockade | Conflict News
   10. www.aljazeera.com — Fighting widens across Ethiopia as Tigray clashes escalate | Conflict News
   11. barbadosgazette.com — Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war | Barbados Gazette – Barbados & Caribb....
   12. stluciachronicle.com — Fighting in northern Ethiopia spurs fears of blackout and blockade - St. Lucia Chronicle – Daily St Luc....
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