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Flights suspended amid rising tensions
Ethiopia Airlines has abruptly canceled all passenger flights between Addis Ababa and cities in the northern Tigray region, citing "unplanned circumstances" in a text message to travelers. Neither the airline nor the government has provided further details, but reports indicate clashes have erupted in a contested area near the western border.
Clashes reported in disputed territory
Fighting has broken out between federal troops and Tigrayan forces in Mai Degusha, a region of Tselemti district in western Tigray. The area, known for its fertile land, has been occupied by Amhara regional forces since the civil war and remains a flashpoint. The government has pledged to resolve the dispute through a referendum, though nearly a million displaced residents-many living in squalid camps-may be excluded from voting.
Peace deal at risk ahead of elections
The 2022 Pretoria Agreement, brokered by the African Union, established an interim administration in Tigray and ended two years of brutal conflict. However, the truce has frayed as tensions escalate over disputed territory and the upcoming June elections. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), once Ethiopia's dominant political force, was stripped of its legal status as a party last month, barring it from participating in the vote.
Military movements raise alarms
Sources report new troop deployments in southern Tigray, fueling concerns of a broader conflict. Airport staff in Mekelle, Tigray's largest city, have been instructed not to report to work, though buses continue to operate between the region and the capital-albeit with potential disruptions. Tigray's transport chief, Tadele Mengistu, confirmed the flight cancellations to the BBC but said he lacked details on the reasons behind the decision.
Legacy of war and political fractures
The Tigray conflict, which an AU envoy estimated killed 600,000 people, was marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings and sexual violence. Since the Pretoria deal, relations between the TPLF and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government have deteriorated. The TPLF, labeled a terrorist organization during the war, has splintered into factions, further complicating efforts to stabilize the region.
"The situation is volatile, and the risk of renewed conflict is real," said a regional analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity.
What's next
Observers warn that without urgent de-escalation, the fragile peace could collapse entirely. The African Union has not yet commented on the latest developments, while Ethiopia Airlines remains silent on when-or if-flights will resume.
