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Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Plunged into Renewed Conflict as Pretoria Peace Accord Collapses
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Ethiopia is facing a severe humanitarian and security crisis as renewed fighting erupts between Tigrayan forces and the federal government, effectively signaling the collapse of the hard-won November 2022 Pretoria Accord. The resurgence of hostilities in the northern region has shattered nearly two years of relative peace, sparking fears of a conflict that could surpass the previous civil war in its devastation. Central to the escalation is a total communications and internet blackout, which has not only isolated the region from the world but also paralyzed financial systems and exacerbated acute cash shortages for the civilian population.
The military situation has intensified rapidly, with Tigrayan forces reportedly capturing three government-controlled airports. In response, the federal government has launched heavy drone strikes to regain control and suppress the offensive. This tactical escalation follows a gradual erosion of trust between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. TPLF leadership has now formally declared the Pretoria agreement "no longer valid," citing unmet obligations from both sides, territorial disputes, and the emergence of new political alliances aimed at challenging the federal government's authority.
Analysts and international observers warn that the failure to de-escalate will have far-reaching consequences for the entire Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, a cornerstone of regional diplomacy and African integration, risks destabilizing its neighbors if the conflict widens. Beyond the immediate military casualties, the humanitarian impact is expected to be dire, with restricted access for aid agencies and a halt to essential services. Experts emphasize that immediate, constructive dialogue and urgent diplomatic intervention are the only viable paths to preventing a total regional meltdown and securing a sustainable peace for the millions of people caught in the crossfire.
