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Tigray war

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The Tigray war was an intense armed conflict in Ethiopia.

Mekele
Mekele

It lasted from November 3, 2020, to November 3, 2022. This civil war took place mostly in the Tigray Region. It involved the Ethiopian federal government and its allies. These allies included the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF). On the other side was the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF is a political and military group from the Tigray Region. This war was a major event that shaped modern Ethiopian history.

The conflict grew from long-standing political disagreements. For 27 years, Ethiopia was led by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The TPLF was the most influential member of this coalition. Meles Zenawi led the TPLF and served as Prime Minister until 2012. In 2018, leadership changed when Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister. Abiy formed a new group called the Prosperity Party. The TPLF refused to join this new party. This created a deep divide between the federal government and the Tigray leadership.

Tensions increased throughout 2020 due to several specific events. The National Election Board of Ethiopia delayed national elections because of COVID-19. This delay extended the terms of federal leaders beyond their constitutional mandates. The TPLF rejected these extensions as unconstitutional. In September 2020, the TPLF held its own regional election in Tigray. The federal government declared this election illegal. In response, the government cut federal funding to the Tigray Region. The TPLF viewed this funding cut as a declaration of war.

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

Fighting officially began on November 3, 2020. TPLF forces attacked the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) Northern Command headquarters. They also attacked other military bases in the Tigray Region. The ENDF launched a counterattack from the south. At the same time, the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF) attacked from the north. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called this a "law enforcement operation."

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

Federal allied forces captured the capital city, Mekelle, on November 28. However, the TPLF continued to fight to remove the invading forces.

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

The war moved through several distinct stages of fighting. In June 2021, the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) retook Mekelle. They then advanced into the Amhara and Afar regions. By November 2021, the TDF and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) formed a coalition. They took control of several towns on the highway toward Addis Ababa. The TPLF stated they intended to march on the capital city. The federal government then launched a successful counter-offensive. This led to a temporary humanitarian truce in March 2022.

Addis Ababa Offensive (October - November 2021)
Addis Ababa Offensive (October - November 2021)

The human cost of the war was extremely high. All sides, including the ENDF, EDF, and TDF, 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 widespread sexual violence against women and girls. A survey showed that about 1 in 10 women in Tigray experienced sexual violence. The war also caused a major humanitarian crisis and famine. Many schools and buildings were destroyed during the fighting.

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

The war ended with a formal agreement to stop the violence. After peace talks broke down in August 2022, fighting re-escalated. Hundreds of thousands of troops were organized by all sides. Eventually, Ethiopia and the TPLF agreed to a cessation of hostilities. This agreement went into effect on November 2, 2022.

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

The cost to rebuild the region is estimated at roughly $20 billion. The conflict left a massive impact on the economy and the people of Ethiopia.

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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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