Ethiopia warns of foreign interference as Tigray fighting resumes

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie has accused unnamed external actors of interfering in the country’s internal affairs as renewed fighting in the northern Tigray region threatens to undermine a peace agreement reached in 2022. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Taye said Ethiopia had shown “immense restraint” despite what he described as outside interference.

Tensions With Eritrea and Egypt

The president’s comments come amid longstanding tensions between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea, as well as a separate dispute with Egypt over the Nile and Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Taye did not directly name either country in his UN remarks, but the comments come as regional tensions surrounding Ethiopia have increased.

Fighting Returns to Tigray

Renewed clashes erupted in Tigray this week, threatening to undo the Pretoria Agreement that ended the 2020 to 2022 war between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigrayan forces. The renewed violence has included clashes in several locations and has raised concerns about a broader conflict involving neighbouring regions.

Federal Forces Face TPLF Fighters

The main sides in the latest fighting are Ethiopian federal forces and fighters aligned with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF. Regional forces have also seized control of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire, according to the United Nations, while fighting has spread beyond Tigray into nearby areas.

Opposition Groups Form Alliance

The renewed fighting follows the creation of a wider alliance involving the TPLF and six other Ethiopian armed groups. The Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival has declared its aim of removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, bringing together groups from several parts of the country.

Government Faces Wider Challenge

The alliance includes groups that previously fought on opposing sides during Ethiopia’s 2020 to 2022 civil war. Its members have cited concerns over political power and regional marginalisation, although differences remain among the groups over territorial and political issues.

Eritrea Denies Supporting Rebels

The Ethiopian government has accused Eritrea of supporting forces opposed to Abiy’s government, while Eritrea has denied the allegations. Regional experts have also raised concerns about Eritrean involvement as tensions between Addis Ababa and Asmara continue.

Peace Agreement Under Pressure

The latest clashes have placed the 2022 peace agreement under significant pressure. The accord ended a conflict that caused widespread deaths and displacement in northern Ethiopia and was intended to establish a political process between the federal government and Tigrayan authorities.

UN Calls for Restraint

The United Nations has urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions and protect civilians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also called for humanitarian access and renewed talks under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.

African Union Peace Process

The UN has reiterated its support for African Union-led efforts to reduce tensions and bring the parties back to negotiations. The AU previously played a central role in facilitating the peace agreement that ended the earlier Tigray conflict.

Ethiopia Defends Its Position

Taye said Ethiopia remained committed to becoming one of Africa’s most prosperous and dynamic economies despite the security challenges. He urged what he called “forces of destruction and mayhem” to respect the right of people across the Horn of Africa to live in peace and pursue development.

Risk of Wider Regional Conflict

The renewed fighting has raised concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Tigray and involve other armed groups or neighbouring countries. With tensions involving Eritrea and disputes over regional security already high, international efforts are focused on preventing the latest escalation from developing into a wider war.