After weeks of renewed clashes in Ethiopia’s northern regions, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) announced a temporary pull‑out from Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. Residents reported that federal forces now occupy the city and that mobile‑phone service has begun to return in some neighborhoods.

Why the TPLF withdrew

According to the TPLF, the decision was driven by concerns for civilian safety as fighting moved closer to the city centre. The group said it would relocate its fighters to avoid further harm to non‑combatants, a claim echoed by humanitarian observers who warned that renewed hostilities risked a repeat of the 2020‑2022 civil war’s humanitarian catastrophe.

What the withdrawal means for the conflict

The exit marks what the BBC described as a "major shift" in the conflict. Analysts note that control of Mekelle gives the federal army a strategic foothold in Tigray, potentially altering the balance of power in the broader northern theatre that includes Afar and Amhara.

International reactions

Several foreign actors have called for calm. The U.S. Department of State urged all sides to exercise "restraint" and pursue "dialogue" ahead of a diplomatic meeting in Egypt involving regional leaders. Meanwhile, the United Nations warned that the deteriorating security situation is hampering humanitarian access and urged parties to guarantee safe, unhindered aid delivery.

Broader regional tensions

Recent weeks have seen a flare‑up in diplomatic relations across the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia and Eritrea severed ties after Addis Ababa accused Asmara of backing a new rebel alliance—a claim Eritrea denied. Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat, prompting Cairo to reciprocate by ordering an Ethiopian embassy official to leave.

Humanitarian context

The 2020‑2022 civil war, which ended with the Pretoria Agreement brokered by the African Union, claimed an estimated 600,000 lives and pushed the region toward famine. Although the peace deal held for two years, the last six months have seen renewed accusations of violations from both sides, raising fears of a repeat humanitarian disaster.

Uncertainty and next steps

Uncertainty: While the TPLF’s withdrawal appears temporary, the duration and future location of its forces remain unclear. Observers caution that the situation could evolve rapidly, especially as allied militias, such as the Amhara‑based Fano, continue to engage in the conflict.

For now, the city’s residents are adjusting to a new security reality, hoping that the shift in control will translate into reduced fighting and a quicker return to stability.