Rebel forces from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have announced they are pulling back from Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. The move comes as fighting with federal army troops gathers momentum around the city.
Local residents say the town is now under the control of pro‑government forces. One neighbour reported that mobile phone services had been restored to parts of Mekelle after the shift.
The decision, according to the TPLF, was driven by concerns over the safety of civilians in a war zone that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The Pretoria peace agreement brokered in 2022 reached a fragile cease‑fire, but recent accusations of violations from both sides have reignited hostilities.
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in a conflict that has threatened to destabilise the entire Horn of Africa. Analysts warn that the concentration of hostilities could draw in neighbouring countries, as “Ethiopia and Eritrea have already severed diplomatic ties and accusations of external support have flared.”
The U.S. Department of State has called for restraint and dialogue ahead of a diplomatic meeting in Egypt aimed at addressing the crisis. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies press for unrestricted access to those in need, citing worsening conditions on the ground.
Despite the retreat, the TPLF continues to oppose the current government. Last month, the group joined forces with six other armed movements, including Amhara’s Fano militia, to form an alliance that seeks to remove Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from power. The alliance’s threats are seen by many as a direct challenge to the stability of the region.
Residents and observers alike watch closely as the situation in Mekelle evolves. The city’s strategic importance makes any change in control a flashpoint for the conflict’s broader trajectory. Bloodshed on the streets of northern Ethiopia has already decimated villages and displaced civilians, demanding urgent diplomatic attention and an end to the cycle of war.
