Ethiopian armed groups form alliance against government

Former combatants in Ethiopia’s long‑running conflict announced they will seek to resolve their disputes as regional and international observers warn that the war could spread beyond its current frontlines. The declaration was made jointly by representatives of the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) during a meeting in Addis Ababa, where both sides said they would pursue dialogue, cease hostilities and address grievances that have fueled the fighting since late 2020.

The announcement comes amid heightened alarm over recent clashes along the borders of the Amhara and Afar regions and reports of armed groups moving into neighboring Sudan and South Sudan. United Nations officials and the African Union have called for an immediate de‑escalation, emphasizing that a broader regional conflagration would jeopardize humanitarian aid and destabilize the Horn of Africa. The parties’ commitment to settle differences, if upheld, could create a pathway toward a comprehensive peace process and reduce the risk of further escalation.