Ethiopia: Federal government declares immediate and unilateral truce in Tigray Region March 24

Event

The Ethiopian government has declared an immediate and unilateral truce in Tigray Region March 24. The action is to allow the provision of humanitarian assistance to the region. As part of the truce, federal authorities have called on the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to cease their attacks and withdraw from areas they have occupied in neighboring regions. The TPLF has not yet responded to the government's demands.

Regardless of the truce, military build-ups, deployments of security personnel, and armed clashes between the combatants are likely to continue across parts of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. Conflict could result in civilian casualties and cause disruptions to road networks, airports, telecommunications, power supply infrastructure, and government and business operations.

Context

The federal government has previously announced ceasefires in Tigray but these have not taken effect. The announcement comes as TPLF leaders and federal authorities have accused each other of blocking aid from entering Tigray despite the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) warning Jan 28 that 40 percent of the region's population is suffering from an extreme lack of food. Federal authorities cut off power supplies, internet and communication, banking services, and humanitarian aid to the region after TPLF forces regained control of the capital, Mekelle city, and the majority of Tigray territory, in June.

The long-simmering political tensions between Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and TPLF erupted into a military confrontation in early November 2020. The escalation to conflict follows the initial nationwide postponement and ban on elections due to COVID-19, which the TPLF ignored.

Advice

Consider deferring travel to Amhara, Afar, and Tigray regions and surrounding areas impacted by fighting until the situation stabilizes. Avoid all military installations, administrative buildings, and strategic infrastructure that may be targeted in attacks, including power stations and media, communications, and transport facilities. Persons in Amhara, Afar, and Tigray regions should liaise with trusted contacts.