Ethiopia faces renewed strain with Tigray and Eritrea
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ethiopia's Tigray region is experiencing heightened tension despite the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, which ended conflict between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The region faces political instability as the TPLF has split into factions, leaving residents uncertain about their leaders. This division has created a vacuum of influence, fueling fears of renewed conflict. Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of supporting the TPLF, a claim both the TPLF and Eritrea deny. However, the deployment of troops along the borders with Tigray and Eritrea has raised alarms among locals, who are bracing for potential war.
The economic impact is severe, with prices soaring due to heightened tensions. Essential goods like petrol have seen dramatic price increases, forcing residents to hoard resources. This fear extends to healthcare, as those with chronic conditions struggle to secure necessary medications. Mustafa Abdu, a legal expert in Mekelle, warns that the situation is "very frightening," with federal forces stationed at all borders, signaling an impending conflict.
Amdom Gebreselassie of Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty highlights the real risk of war, citing TPLF military activity and Eritrean intelligence operations in the region. Volker Turk, UN human rights chief, has called for urgent de-escalation, emphasizing the need for political dialogue to avoid further violence.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia's restrictions on journalists have hindered coverage of these developments. Earlier this week, an AFP correspondent was denied access to Tigray, while DW and Reuters journalists face accreditation issues following critical reporting. These actions limit international understanding of the crisis, raising concerns about
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026