Tigray Forces Seize Mekelle Airport as Ethiopia Tensions Rise

Local forces in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have taken control of the main airport in Mekelle from federal police, according to residents speaking to BBC Africa. The seizure marks a significant escalation in tensions between the regional government and the federal administration in Addis Ababa, raising concerns about a return to armed conflict.

In response to the situation, Ethiopian Airlines has suspended all flights to Mekelle, as well as the cities of Shire and Axum. The carrier cited the "current situation" in the region as the reason for the halt, leaving the capital effectively isolated from air traffic while diplomatic and military pressures mount.

Recent strikes heighten regional anxiety

The airport seizure follows a series of reported drone attacks in the region. In the town of Alamata, local authorities stated that at least 14 people were killed and 22 injured in strikes carried out by drones and a fighter jet. The mayor of Alamata claimed that the attacks targeted two secondary schools, which were unoccupied as the academic year had not yet begun.

While the Tigrayan authorities accuse federal forces of the strikes, the central government has not publicly commented on the specific incidents. The US State Department has separately condemned a drone attack on a convoy of Catholic vehicles carrying food aid, urging all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.

Political alliances challenge federal authority

The crisis comes as the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) announced a new alliance with six other armed groups in Ethiopia. This coalition was formed with the stated aim of removing the current government in Addis Ababa, signaling a shift from regional friction to a broader political confrontation.

Both sides have accused one another of violating the Pretoria Agreement, the peace deal mediated by the African Union that ended the two-year war in November 2022. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently accused the TPLF of preparing for renewed conflict, while the TPLF claims it is defending its sovereignty against an invasion.

Diplomatic efforts face implementation delays

Criticism has mounted regarding the slow implementation of key provisions from the peace agreement. The TPLF restored its pre-war administration before the May general elections, a move that federal officials viewed as a breach of the interim arrangements. Reports also suggest that local forces are engaging in recruitment drives, further complicating the path to stability.

As the situation evolves, international observers are watching for any further military engagements or diplomatic breakthroughs. The risk of a broader conflict remains high, with the region facing significant humanitarian challenges and the potential for widespread instability if the current standoff continues to escalate.