Tigrayan leaders say new war with Ethiopian government has begun

Live updates

1. 35m ago

   Tigrayan Leaders Declare New War as Fighting Erupts in Ethiopia

   Tigrayan leaders state that a new war with the Ethiopian government has begun as fighting erupts and hostilities spread across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. Local forces and soldiers have seized control of airports in the region, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to cancel flights to the Tigray capital. The TPLF has moved on critical sites after heading a new alliance, leading analysts and monitors to warn that the country may be descending into another civil war. Human Rights Watch warns that civilians are at risk as the violence spreads.

   Why it matters

   The escalation marks a collapse of the Pretoria accord, driving up sovereign risk and raising concerns about civilian safety and potential abuses. The TPLF's movement on critical infrastructure and the seizure of multiple airports signal a severe breakdown in relations with the central government. Observers are closely watching for potential international responses, including looming sanctions.

   What is confirmed

   • Tigrayan leaders say a new war with the Ethiopian government has begun as fighting erupts.
   • Ethiopian Airlines cancelled flights to the Tigray capital after soldiers and local forces took over airports.
   • Hostilities have spread across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar, raising concerns over civilian safety.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ethiopia is descending into another civil war as the Pretoria accord collapses and US sanctions loom.

   What to watch next

   • Further official statements from federal and regional authorities on the status of the Pretoria accord.
   • Developments regarding potential international sanctions from the United States.
   • Reports on civilian casualties and humanitarian access in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. Reuters — Tigrayan leaders say new war with Ethiopian government has begun, as fighting erupts
   2. apnews.com — Ethiopian Airlines cancels flights to Tigray capital as soldiers take over airport
   3. BBC — Ethiopia's Mekelle airport in Tigray seized by local forces, residents tell the BBC.
   4. ACLED — Ethiopia Conflict Alert: The TPLF Move On Critical Sites After Heading a New Alliance. A new phase of the next war?
   5. The Economist — Ethiopia may be descending into another civil war
   6. discoveryalert.com — Tigray Forces Seize Three Airports as Ethiopia’s War Reignites
   7. kulu-media.com — HRW Warns Civilians at Risk as Fighting Spreads Across Northern Ethiopia
   confidence 100%