Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital

Rebel forces in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have said they have temporarily withdrawn from the regional capital, Mekelle, as fighting with the national army moves towards the city. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been running the region, said it decised to leave because of concerns about risks to civilians. Two Mekelle residents told the BBC that pro-government forces now control the city and TPLF fighters have abandoned it.

One resident also said mobile phone services had been restored. Fighting has erupted in recent weeks between the TPLF and allied groups and government forces in parts of the northern regions of Tigray, Afar and Amhara. TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael said that while they were leaving Mekelle for the timebeing, the conflict remained fluid and the group would “continue its work from another location”.

He described it as a deliberate strategic move, saying: “We will attack the enemy where we choose, not where he chooses for us.” During the 2020-2022 civil war in Tigray, the TPLF made a similar move and resorted to guerrilla attacks after losing control of Mekelle to federal forces. The latest outbreak of fighting has raised concerns among observers that the conflict could further destabilise the Horn of Africa, potentially drawing in neighbouring countries. The US Department of State called for “restraint” and “dialogue” on all sides ahead of a diplomatic meeting about the conflict in Egypt with leaders from some of Ethiopia’s neighbours.

The presidents of Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan – which all have strained relations with Ethiopia – met on Sunday in the Egyptian coastal city of El-Alamein. They called for “respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of states” and the resolution of disputes through “peaceful means”. Ethiopia accuses Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan of supporting the Tigray rebels, which they deny.

Duke Burbridge, an American doctor with the Health Professionals Network for Tigray, told the BBC that the situation had been calm since the rebels pulled out, except for some outbreaks of gunfire and looting shortly after the withdrawal. He said it “appeared some people who were released from prison or some of the criminal gangs around here [who] were well armed” were involved. Telecommunication services, which had been cut, had now been restored, he said.