Ethiopian leader cautions of devastation amid fresh Tigray rebel push

Ethiopia’s president, Taye Atske Selassie, issued a stark warning on Saturday, saying the latest Tigray rebel offensive could unleash “forces of destruction” across the nation. Al Jazeera reported that the rebels, operating from the northern Tigray region, launched coordinated attacks on several federal army positions, marking the most significant escalation since the 2022 cease‑fire collapsed.

Selassie’s address, broadcast on state television, emphasized that the renewed hostilities threaten not only military targets but also civilian infrastructure, warning that “the specter of destruction will loom over every town and village caught in the crossfire.” The president called for “swift and decisive” action to contain the insurgents and protect the population.

The conflict in Tigray began in November 2020 when the federal government launched a military campaign against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after a disputed election and accusations of treason. A fragile peace held for two years before sporadic clashes resumed in early 2026, driven by disputes over political representation and control of key border towns. The region has endured repeated humanitarian crises, with the United Nations estimating that more than 5 million people remain displaced and food insecurity affecting half the population.

International observers fear that the latest offensive could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation. Aid agencies, already struggling with limited access, warn that renewed fighting may block supply routes and force civilians to flee once again, potentially triggering a new wave of refugees into neighboring Sudan and South Sudan. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has called for an immediate cease‑fire to allow humanitarian corridors to operate safely.

Regional actors, including the African Union and the United States, have urged both sides to return to dialogue. The African Union’s peace envoy highlighted that a prolonged conflict threatens stability across the Horn of Africa, where fragile economies and inter‑ethnic tensions already pose significant challenges. As diplomatic pressure builds, Selassie’s warning underscores the high stakes for Ethiopia’s unity and the broader regional security landscape.