Seven armed groups ally to launch offensive in Ethiopia

A coalition of seven armed groups announced on Monday that it has formed an alliance with the stated aim of overthrowing Ethiopia’s federal government, prompting renewed concerns of a broader conflict. The alliance, which includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Army and five other regional militias, issued a joint statement declaring the current administration “illegitimate” and calling for a nationwide uprising. Ethiopian officials have condemned the declaration as a threat to national unity and have warned that any attempt to destabilise the state will be met with decisive security measures.

The development comes amid lingering tensions from the 2020‑2022 civil war in the northern Tigray region and ongoing insurgencies in Oromia and other parts of the country. International observers, including the United Nations and the African Union, have called for restraint and dialogue, noting that a resurgence of large‑scale fighting could exacerbate humanitarian crises that have already displaced millions. While the government has not yet disclosed specific counter‑operations, security forces have been placed on heightened alert, and diplomatic channels are reportedly being engaged to prevent the alliance from escalating into renewed war.