Tigray Conflict Escalates as Afar Fighting

Incidents of fighting, internet blackouts, and the closure of airports have increased in Ethiopia as there is increased fighting between the rebels of Tigray and the federal army, which may threaten the 2022 peace accord. There have been fighting incidents outside Tigray as they have spread to Amhara and Afar as people are buying food and cash fearing another outbreak of war.

Where is the Fighting Occurring?

The most recent reports of fighting have come from Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. In Afar, a humanitarian official stated that there was heavy fighting at night around the town of Abala, which borders the region of Tigray. There have also been fighting incidents in the vicinity of Lalibela, Amhara, but it has not entered the city of Lalibela.

The Tigrayan forces captured the three airports of the region, namely Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, which resulted in Ethiopian Airlines suspending flights to the region, whereas flights to Lalibela are also suspended owing to the battle.

Casualties have been reported from both sides of the conflict; however, the actual number of casualties is difficult to ascertain due to communication blackouts.

Why Has the Tigray Conflict Resumed?

Following years of disagreement after the Pretoria Agreement signed in November 2022 that brought an end to the previous war, the new violence has started again. The peace agreement ended the fighting on a grand scale but left unresolved territorial disputes, displacement issues, political re-integration, and the disarming of Tigrayan forces.

As tensions rose in 2026, there were many fights in western Tigray. In September, seven Ethiopian groups, which include the TPLF and Amhara Fano movement, declared an alliance against the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Both sides claim that they were attacked first in the current outbreak of violence, with the Ethiopian side accusing the TPLF of attacking first, and the other side claiming that they were forced to join the defensive war after attacks from federal forces, which included drone attacks.

Internet Shutdown Increases Fear among Civilians

Services for Internet and telephones have been shut down in Tigray, as per NetBlocks and a Reuters report on September 25th. It was reported in Reuters that some sources claimed that the disruption was due to the restrictions imposed by the authorities of Tigray, whereas someone close to the TPLF denied the claim, stating that the government is behind it.

This is very important because Tigray faced a huge communication and supply blockade in the previous war. The people living in Mekelle and Adigrat have already been found to be buying food and withdrawing money due to price increases and fear of shortage.

Next Steps?

The ongoing violence has led to demands for restraint as well as a return to the peace process supported by the African Union. At present, the main humanitarian concern is ensuring that the disruption of food, medical supplies, banks, telecommunication services, and movement of civilians does not lead to a larger problem.

For Ethiopia, it is no longer just about implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.