Ethiopia’s Tigray rebels urged to disarm as commander vows to fight on

An official in Tigray’s new federal-backed administration urged rebel fighters to lay down their weapons Friday, hours after a rebel commander called for continued resistance despite losing the northern Ethiopian region’s capital. The calls came nearly three weeks after rebels trying to overthrow the government lost control of Mekelle, Tigray’s capital. Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle on Oct.

4 after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF, withdrew. Redae Halefom Woldeselassie, the caretaker administration’s chief executive for political and public mobilization, said rebel forces were collapsing and urged fighters to enter a disarmament and reintegration program. “This is not the time for settling scores, I call upon you to return to your homes and continue your civilian lives,” he said in Mekelle.

He dismissed the prospect of the rebels retaking the city and portrayed the conflict as serving a small group of leaders rather than the people of Tigray. Fisseha Kidanu, who was identified in a television broadcast as commander of the Tigray army, pledged to reverse recent military setbacks. “Local militias across the region — alongside all volunteers joining the resistance — are expected to engage the enemy,” he said Thursday on Tigray Broadcast Media, a new rebel television station.

Fisseha urged attacks on government-held positions despite his opponents’ advantages in drones and heavy weapons. The TPLF has also claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on government forces. The Associated Press could not independently verify those claims.

Ethiopia’s government subsequently established a six-month caretaker administration promising to restore services, help displaced people return and prepare for elections. The government’s allies include the Tigray Peace Force, comprising former members of the TPLF’s armed wing — a division within Tigrayan forces that has complicated the renewed conflict. Redae said Ethiopian troops and allied forces were conducting joint security operations, including measures to prevent looting.

He promised preparations for displaced residents to return but gave no timetable. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking Monday to the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, accused the TPLF of acquiring weapons and forcibly recruiting young people instead of disarming under the Novemb… 4 after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF, withdrew.Redae Halefom Woldeselassie, the caretaker administration’s chief executive for political and public mobilization, said rebel forces were collapsing and urged fighters to enter a disarmament and reintegration program.“This is not the time for settling scores, I call upon you to return to your homes and continue your civilian lives,” he said in Mekelle.He dismissed the prospect of the rebels retaking the city and portrayed the conflict as serving a small group of leaders rather than the people of Tigray.Hours earlier, Lt.