Residents of Ethiopia’s Tigray region are preparing for the possibility of renewed full-scale war after regional forces launched a major offensive against the federal government.
Tigrayan forces seized three airports and reported clashes in Tigray, Afar and Amhara, threatening the collapse of the peace agreement that ended the devastating 2020–2022 conflict.
In the regional capital Mekelle, residents began purchasing food and withdrawing money as fears grew that transport, banking and essential supplies could again be disrupted.
The federal military deployed drones and said it had repelled attacks while killing, wounding or capturing hundreds of fighters. Independent verification remained difficult.
Tigray’s regional leadership described its military action as defensive, while federal officials accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and allied armed groups of attempting to overthrow the government.
The European Union and United Nations urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to the peace framework before violence spreads into a wider regional confrontation.
The previous war killed hundreds of thousands of people through fighting, hunger and the collapse of healthcare, making renewed hostilities a serious humanitarian threat.
Sources: Reuters; Reuters analysis.
Featured photo: Temesgen Negussie/Unsplash. The image is illustrative.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
