Tigray War

Tigray War

The Tigray War is an ongoing armed conflict that began on 4 November 2020 in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. The war is primarily between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), but it has involved various other regional and international actors.

Background

The conflict has its roots in longstanding political tensions between the TPLF and the Ethiopian federal government. The TPLF was the dominant party in Ethiopia's ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), from 1991 until 2018, when Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister and dissolved the coalition in favor of a new party, the Prosperity Party.

Tensions escalated when the TPLF opposed the postponement of the 2020 national elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequently held regional elections in Tigray in September 2020, which the federal government deemed illegal.

Course of the Conflict

The conflict began when the TPLF attacked the Northern Command headquarters of the ENDF in Tigray on 4 November 2020. In response, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military offensive against the TPLF.

Initial Phase

The initial phase of the conflict saw rapid advances by the ENDF, capturing major cities in Tigray, including the regional capital, Mekelle. However, the TPLF retreated into the mountains and began a guerrilla campaign.

Humanitarian Impact

The war has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of widespread atrocities, including massacres, sexual violence, and ethnic cleansing. The conflict has displaced millions of people and led to famine conditions in parts of Tigray.

International Involvement

The conflict has drawn in neighboring countries, notably Eritrea, whose forces have been accused of fighting alongside the ENDF and committing human rights abuses. The international community has called for ceasefires and negotiations, but these have largely been unsuccessful.

Current Situation

As of 2023, the conflict remains unresolved, with ongoing skirmishes and a fragile humanitarian situation. Efforts at peace talks have been intermittent, with both sides accusing each other of intransigence.

Also see

• Ethiopian Civil War
• Eritrean–Ethiopian War
• Abiy Ahmed
• Tigray People's Liberation Front
• Humanitarian crises