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Tigray war

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The Tigray war was a major conflict in Ethiopia.

Mekele
Mekele

It took place mostly in the Tigray Region. The fighting lasted for two years from November 2020 to November 2022. This was a civil war between different groups within the country. One side was the Ethiopian federal government and its allies. The other side was the Tigray People's Liberation Front, known as the TPLF.

Tigray Offensive (November 2020)
Tigray Offensive (November 2020)

This war changed many lives in the region.

The conflict grew from long political disagreements. For many years, the TPLF was a very strong part of the government. However, leadership in Ethiopia changed in 2018. Abiy Ahmed became the new Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He started a new group called the Prosperity Party. The TPLF did not want to join this new party. Tensions rose when the government delayed national elections due to COVID-19.

Voter registration in the Tigray Region, August 2020
Voter registration in the Tigray Region, August 2020

In September 2020, the TPLF held its own regional election. The federal government said this election was illegal.

Fighting began in early November 2020. TPLF forces attacked several military bases in the north. The Ethiopian National Defense Force responded with a large attack.

Tigray Insurgency (November 2020 - June 2021)
Tigray Insurgency (November 2020 - June 2021)

The government forces and Eritrea joined together to fight the TPLF. The capital of Tigray, Mekelle, changed hands several times. By mid-2021, the Tigray Defense Forces had moved into other areas. They even reached toward the capital city, Addis Ababa. The fighting was very intense and moved across many different regions.

The war caused terrible suffering for many people. All sides involved were accused of committing war crimes. Between 100,000 and 600,000 people were killed during the conflict.

Child at hospital in Tigray, Ethiopia (2021)
Child at hospital in Tigray, Ethiopia (2021)

There was also a lot of violence against women. Many people suffered from a lack of food, leading to a famine. The war also broke many things, like schools and hospitals.

School destruction (6) Addilal (Mishtir Sabat)
School destruction (6) Addilal (Mishtir Sabat)

It is estimated that rebuilding the region will cost about $20 billion.

In late 2022, leaders worked to find peace. A truce was declared in March 2022 to send food to people. However, fighting started again later that year. Finally, a deal to stop the fighting was reached on November 2, 2022.

Population displacement due to Tigray conflict (cropped)
Population displacement due to Tigray conflict (cropped)

This agreement helped bring a pause to the violence. While some fighting continued in certain areas, the main war ended. This allowed humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The region is now working to recover from the hard years.

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🖼️ Images & Media (25)
File:Flag of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (3).svg
Flag of the Ethiopian National Defense...
File:Voter registration in the Tigray Region, August 2020.png
Voter registration in the Tigray Region,...
File:Tigray Offensive (November 2020).svg
Tigray Offensive (November 2020).svg
File:Mekele.jpg
Mekele.jpg
File:A destroyed tank in Axum, Tigray - June 2021.png
A destroyed tank in Axum, Tigray - June 2021.png
File:Tigray Insurgency (November 2020 - June 2021).svg
Tigray Insurgency (November 2020 - June 2021).svg
File:Approximate territorial control on 23 April 2021.jpg
Approximate territorial control on 23...
File:School destruction (6) Addilal (Mishtir Sabat).jpg
School destruction (6) Addilal (Mishtir Sabat).jpg
File:Gondar-Bahir Dar Offensive (July - August 2021).svg
Gondar-Bahir Dar Offensive (July - August...
File:Tigray War reported conflict incidents - November 2020 to December 2021.png
Tigray War reported conflict incidents -...
File:Addis Ababa Offensive (October - November 2021).svg
Addis Ababa Offensive (October - November...
File:National Unity Offensive (November - December 2021).svg
National Unity Offensive (November -...

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