Ethiopia’s forces retake Mekelle amid renewed Tigray fighting

Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters have retaken Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray, less than four years after a peace agreement ended a devastating two-year conflict. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) confirmed its withdrawal from the city, citing the collapse of the 2022 Pretoria agreement due to the federal government's alleged failure to implement key provisions. This development revives fears of renewed widespread violence, displacement, and economic hardship, echoing the devastating impact of the previous war. Fighting has also reportedly spread to the capital, Addis Ababa, and into the Afar region, with escalating diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea adding to concerns of a wider regional conflict.

Rebel forces from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) have announced a temporary withdrawal from Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray, citing concerns for civilian safety as fighting intensifies near the city. Residents report that pro-government forces have taken control of Mekelle, with TPLF forces having abandoned it. Mobile phone services have reportedly resumed in some areas. This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between the TPLF and federal government forces, which has recently expanded into the Afar and Amhara regions. The conflict's escalation raises concerns about further destabilization in the Horn of Africa. The US has called for restraint and dialogue ahead of a diplomatic meeting concerning the conflict.

Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic ties following escalating fighting in northern Ethiopia. The two neighboring countries accused each other of instigating internal conflicts. This breakdown in relations occurred as heavy fighting resumed last week between Ethiopian forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The renewed conflict has sparked concerns about a potential return to the 2020-2022 civil war, which resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths. Ethiopia specifically accused Eritrea of providing support to the TPLF.

Al-Qaeda-linked Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists are escalating attacks against Mali's military government. JNIM has reportedly established checkpoints around the capital, Bamako, and called for the overthrow of the junta in favor of Islamic law. In the north, Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have seized the town of Tessalit, including the Amachach base, following the withdrawal of Malian army elements and Russian forces. These actions follow recent attacks that killed Mali's defense minister. JNIM also claims to have captured a base in central Mali, though Russia's African Corps disputes this, stating they delivered supplies to Malian forces there.

Islamist militants from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have imposed a partial blockade on Mali's capital, Bamako, a city of over three million people. This action follows the recent assassination of Mali's defense minister and comes after a warning from the group that no one will be allowed into the city. The blockade, which has closed at least three of the six main routes into Bamako for extended periods, is causing residents to be stranded and fearful of shortages. This development occurs in the context of coordinated jihadist and separatist attacks nationwide, aimed at overthrowing the military regime. Mali's army is reportedly working with the Africa Corps against these insurgents.