Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region.

Abiy Ahmed is 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner. His remarks came just a week after Tigray's capital Mekele fell to Tigray Defence Forces (TDF). Abiy's government almost immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire.

The TDF has described its seizure of Mekele and most of the rest of the northern region of Tigray as a major victory, while Abiy and other officials have countered that federal forces executed a strategic pullback to focus on other threats.&nbsp;

"In one, two or three weeks, 100,000 trained, armed and organised special forces can be mobilised," Abiy told lawmakers.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-urges-ceasefire-in-ethiopias-war-hit-tigray-395739">Sudan urges ceasefire in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray</a>

"If said special force isn't enough, if a militia is needed, in one or two months half a million militiamen can be organised. One million youths can be mobilised and trained."

But Abiy also said officials had "decided there should be a period of silence for everyone to think".

Tigrayan leaders on Sunday issued their first formal response to Abiy's ceasefire call, saying they would only accept it if forces from Eritrea and Ethiopia's Amhara region -- who have been backing the Ethiopian army -- also withdrew from the region.&nbsp;

They also called for "proceedings" to hold Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accountable for "damage" inflicted during the fighting, which has been marked by grisly massacres and widespread sexual violence.&nbsp;

Abiy did not address those conditions on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region. Abiy Ahmed is 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner. His remarks came just a week after Tigray's capital Mekele fell to Tigray Defence Forces (TDF). Abiy's government almost immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire. The TDF has described its seizure of Mekele and most of the rest of the northern region of Tigray as a major victory, while Abiy and other officials have countered that federal forces executed a strategic pullback to focus on other threats. "In one, two or three weeks, 100,000 trained, armed and organised special forces can be mobilised," Abiy told lawmakers. Also Read | Sudan urges ceasefire in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray "If said special force isn't enough, if a militia is needed, in one or two months half a million militiamen can be organised. One million youths can be mobilised and trained." But Abiy also said officials had "decided there should be a period of silence for everyone to think". Tigrayan leaders on Sunday issued their first formal response to Abiy's ceasefire call, saying they would only accept it if forces from Eritrea and Ethiopia's Amhara region -- who have been backing the Ethiopian army -- also withdrew from the region. They also called for "proceedings" to hold Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accountable for "damage" inflicted during the fighting, which has been marked by grisly massacres and widespread sexual violence. Abiy did not address those conditions on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might

Rebels in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region accepted a ceasefire "in principle" on Sunday. However, they have set strict conditions to formalise the ceasefire.

The rebels are demanding withdrawal of Eritrean fighters and fighters from neighbouring Ethiopian region (Amhara) from Tigray. Both these groups are helping Ethiopian army.

Tigray region has seen fierce fighting for last many months after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent army to topple dissident Tigray authorities.

The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner accused them of orchestrating attacks on Ethiopian military bases.&nbsp;

After early successes and a premature declaration of victory, government forces were bogged down in a vicious and months-long battle with pro-TPLF fighters -- the Tigray Defence Forces, or TDF. The Ethiopian army was backed by troops from the neighbouring Amhara region and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray.

On Monday, the TDF recaptured Mekele, held by the Ethiopian army since 28 November.&nbsp;

The government in Addis Ababa immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire, but this was swiftly derided as a "joke" by the rebel forces, which vowed to continue fighting.

Now the rebels have agreed to a ceasefire in principle but another of their conditions is the restoration of what Addis Ababa considers the rebel government in Tigray.

The United Nations and numerous government have called for a ceasefire to be respected, especially to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilian populations.

"As long as we have a foolproof guarantee that the security of our people will not be compromised by a second round of invasions, we accept a ceasefire in principle," a statement signed by the "government of Tigray" said on Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Rebels in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region accepted a ceasefire "in principle" on Sunday. However, they have set strict conditions to formalise the ceasefire. The rebels are demanding withdrawal of Eritrean fighters and fighters from neighbouring Ethiopian region (Amhara) from Tigray.

Rebels in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region accepted a ceasefire "in principle" on Sunday. However, they have set strict conditions to formalise the ceasefire. The rebels are demanding withdrawal of Eritrean fighters and fighters from neighbouring Ethiopian region (Amhara) from Tigray. Both these groups are helping Ethiopian army. Tigray region has seen fierce fighting for last many months after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent army to topple dissident Tigray authorities. The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner accused them of orchestrating attacks on Ethiopian military bases. After early successes and a premature declaration of victory, government forces were bogged down in a vicious and months-long battle with pro-TPLF fighters -- the Tigray Defence Forces, or TDF. The Ethiopian army was backed by troops from the neighbouring Amhara region and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray. On Monday, the TDF recaptured Mekele, held by the Ethiopian army since 28 November. The government in Addis Ababa immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire, but this was swiftly derided as a "joke" by the rebel forces, which vowed to continue fighting. Now the rebels have agreed to a ceasefire in principle but another of their conditions is the restoration of what Addis Ababa considers the rebel government in Tigray. The United Nations and numerous government have called for a ceasefire to be respected, especially to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilian populations. "As long as we have a foolproof guarantee that the security of our people will not be compromised by a second round of invasions, we accept a ceasefire in principle," a statement signed by the "government of Tigray" said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Tigray rebels accept ceasefire 'in principle'

For the past 8 months, Nobel Peace Laureate and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has led a civil war on his own people. Now, the Ethiopian government has declared a unilateral ceasefire. Palki Sharma tells you how Abiy Ahmed was humiliated on the battlefield.

Gravitas: A major turning point in the Ethiopian Civil war

Vote counting is underway in Ethiopia following the delayed parliamentary elections. Africa’s second-most populous country went to the polls on Monday but an opposition boycott, a months-long war in Tigray, along with the logistical challenges overshadowed the votes in some regions.

Fresh clashes erupt in Tigray as vote count continues

Ethiopians are voting in crucial parliamentary elections as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed seeks a mandate to continue reforms launched in 2018. PM Abiy Ahmed has said that the polls are the countries first free and fair elections after decades.

Ethiopians vote in landmark election seen as first big test for PM Abiy Ahmed

Fires that appear to have been deliberately set destroyed more than 500 structures this week in and around Ethiopia's Gijet town, an analysis of satellite imagery shared with Reuters has found, adding credence to reports of continued conflict in parts of the northern region of Tigray.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory over a rebellious regional force, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), at the end of November after its fighters withdrew from the region's main cities and towns. But sporadic fighting continues in some parts of Tigray, according to residents and United Nations assessments.

The government has acknowledged isolated incidents of shooting but has said that most fighting has stopped in Tigray.

Mulu Nega, head of Tigray's government-appointed interim administration, told Reuters he had sent a team to the Gijet area to investigate.

"According to preliminary information I have received in Gijet there was fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and local militias," he said later.

The DX Open Network, a security research organization based in Britain, analysed images collected by private satellite operator Planet Labs on Sunday and Tuesday around Gijet and three nearby settlements, which are about 35 km (22 miles) southwest of the Tigray regional capital Mekelle.

They showed at least 508 structures that appeared to have been destroyed by fire over that period, the network said, citing the blackening of earth and vegetation, ash circles indicative of roof collapse, and debris from collapsed walls and ceilings.

A fire detection service run by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which uses visible and infrared imagery captured from space, detected numerous fires in the area on Monday, according to its website.

The DX Open Network said the absence of fire clusters or scorch marks connecting burnt structures in the images it analysed makes it unlikely that the fires were all accidental, and there was no evidence of craters to suggest they might be the result of shelling.

"These factors support the analytic judgment that this was an intentional effort by a conflict party to destroy this civilian habitation area, and not the product of combat," it said in its analysis. It was not clear from the images who might have set the fires.

The prime minister's spokeswoman and the head of a government task force on Tigray did not respond to messages seeking comment. Reuters has been unable to reach TPLF officials since early December.

Both sides in the Tigray conflict, which began in early November, have accused each other of abuses and denied responsibility for carrying them out.

Reuters could not reach people in the area by phone. Communications to Tigray remain patchy, and the government tightly controls media access.

Fires that appear to have been deliberately set destroyed more than 500 structures this week in and around Ethiopia's Gijet town, an analysis of satellite imagery shared with Reuters has found, adding credence to reports of continued conflict in parts of the northern region of Tigray.

Fires that appear to have been deliberately set destroyed more than 500 structures this week in and around Ethiopia's Gijet town, an analysis of satellite imagery shared with Reuters has found, adding credence to reports of continued conflict in parts of the northern region of Tigray. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory over a rebellious regional force, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), at the end of November after its fighters withdrew from the region's main cities and towns. But sporadic fighting continues in some parts of Tigray, according to residents and United Nations assessments. The government has acknowledged isolated incidents of shooting but has said that most fighting has stopped in Tigray. Mulu Nega, head of Tigray's government-appointed interim administration, told Reuters he had sent a team to the Gijet area to investigate. "According to preliminary information I have received in Gijet there was fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and local militias," he said later. The DX Open Network, a security research organization based in Britain, analysed images collected by private satellite operator Planet Labs on Sunday and Tuesday around Gijet and three nearby settlements, which are about 35 km (22 miles) southwest of the Tigray regional capital Mekelle. They showed at least 508 structures that appeared to have been destroyed by fire over that period, the network said, citing the blackening of earth and vegetation, ash circles indicative of roof collapse, and debris from collapsed walls and ceilings. A fire detection service run by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which uses visible and infrared imagery captured from space, detected numerous fires in the area on Monday, according to its website. The DX Open Network said the absence of fire clusters or scorch marks connecting burnt structures in the images it analysed makes it unlikely that the fires were all accidental, and there was no evidence of craters to suggest they might be the result of shelling. "These factors support the analytic judgment that this was an intentional effort by a conflict party to destroy this civilian habitation area, and not the product of combat," it said in its analysis. It was not clear from the images who might have set the fires. The prime minister's spokeswoman and the head of a government task force on Tigray did not respond to messages seeking comment. Reuters has been unable to reach TPLF officials since early December. Both sides in the Tigray conflict, which began in early November, have accused each other of abuses and denied responsibility for carrying them out. Reuters could not reach people in the area by phone. Communications to Tigray remain patchy, and the government tightly controls media access.

Hundreds of buildings burned around Tigray town, research group says 

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year. For its new report, the human rights watchdog spoke to survivors of the atrocities and used satellite images to piece together the bloody events of last November in the ancient town of Axum.

"The evidence is compelling and points to a chilling conclusion. Ethiopian and Eritrean troops carried out multiple war crimes in their offensive to take control of Axum," said Deprose Muchena of Amnesty International.

"Above and beyond that, Eritrean troops went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood, which appears to constitute crimes against humanity.

"This atrocity ranks among the worst documented so far in this conflict."

Since November 2020, Ethiopia's Tigray region had&nbsp;been a theatre of fighting between the regions soldiers and Ethiopian forces.

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed declared victory after pro-government forces captured region's capital Mekele.

Tigray has been without internet and difficult to access since the start of the conflict, making claims and counter-claims of violence hard to confirm.&nbsp;

The presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is widely documented but has been denied by Addis Ababa and Asmara.

Eritrea fought a brutal border war with Ethiopia in 1998-2000, back when the TPLF dominated Ethiopia's governing coalition.&nbsp;

Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 in large part for initiating a rapprochement with Eritrea, whose President Isaias Afwerki and the TPLF remain bitter enemies.

'Killing randomly'

Amnesty said it had spoken to 41 survivors and witnesses of the violence who said that on November 19, 2020, Ethiopian and Eritrean military forces took control of Axum "in a large-scale offensive, killing and displacing civilians with indiscriminate shelling and shooting."

"In the nine days that followed, the Eritrean military engaged in widespread looting of civilian property and extrajudicial executions." 
Witnesses said the Eritrean forces were easily identifiable, via their vehicles, language and unique ritual facial scars, while they also openly declared themselves as such.

The worst violence unfolded after a small group of pro-TPLF militiamen attacked the soldiers' base on 28 November and they retaliated, leaving the town strewn with bodies.

"The Eritrean soldiers came into the city and started killing randomly," said a 22-year-old man who had wanted to bring food to the militia, who he described as young and barely knowing how to fight.

Residents told Amnesty that many victims in Axum carried no weapons and were running away from the soldiers when they were shot.

(With AFP inputs)

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year.

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year. For its new report, the human rights watchdog spoke to survivors of the atrocities and used satellite images to piece together the bloody events of last November in the ancient town of Axum. "The evidence is compelling and points to a chilling conclusion. Ethiopian and Eritrean troops carried out multiple war crimes in their offensive to take control of Axum," said Deprose Muchena of Amnesty International. "Above and beyond that, Eritrean troops went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood, which appears to constitute crimes against humanity. "This atrocity ranks among the worst documented so far in this conflict." Since November 2020, Ethiopia's Tigray region had been a theatre of fighting between the regions soldiers and Ethiopian forces. Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed declared victory after pro-government forces captured region's capital Mekele. Tigray has been without internet and difficult to access since the start of the conflict, making claims and counter-claims of violence hard to confirm. The presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is widely documented but has been denied by Addis Ababa and Asmara. Eritrea fought a brutal border war with Ethiopia in 1998-2000, back when the TPLF dominated Ethiopia's governing coalition. Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 in large part for initiating a rapprochement with Eritrea, whose President Isaias Afwerki and the TPLF remain bitter enemies. 'Killing randomly' Amnesty said it had spoken to 41 survivors and witnesses of the violence who said that on November 19, 2020, Ethiopian and Eritrean military forces took control of Axum "in a large-scale offensive, killing and displacing civilians with indiscriminate shelling and shooting." "In the nine days that followed, the Eritrean military engaged in widespread looting of civilian property and extrajudicial executions." Witnesses said the Eritrean forces were easily identifiable, via their vehicles, language and unique ritual facial scars, while they also openly declared themselves as such. The worst violence unfolded after a small group of pro-TPLF militiamen attacked the soldiers' base on 28 November and they retaliated, leaving the town strewn with bodies. "The Eritrean soldiers came into the city and started killing randomly," said a 22-year-old man who had wanted to bring food to the militia, who he described as young and barely knowing how to fight. Residents told Amnesty that many victims in Axum carried no weapons and were running away from the soldiers when they were shot. (With AFP inputs)

Eritrean soldiers killed 'hundreds' in Ethiopia massacre, says Amnesty

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region.

Seven Red Cross trucks brought medicines and medical equipment for 400 wounded as well as relief supplies.

"It is the first international aid to arrive in Mekele since fighting erupted in Tigray more than one month ago," the Geneva-based ICRC said.

Ethiopian government had imposed a communication blackout as a result of which it was hard to accurately ascertain the situation inside Tigray during the conflict. International agencies including the United Nations had repeatedly underlined the humanitarian crisis in Tigray which saw an exodus of thousands of civilians into neighbouring regions and even neighbouring countries.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-returning-eritrean-refugees-to-tigray-camps-un-shows-concern-349234">Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps; UN shows concern</a>

Ethiopia's current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel peace prize recipient last year, has stressed that the humanitarian aid program in the Tigray region will be led by his government. There have been numerous call from around the world for Ethiopian government to step-up its efforts to help civilians many of whom are facing shortage of food, water and medicines.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region.

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region. Seven Red Cross trucks brought medicines and medical equipment for 400 wounded as well as relief supplies. "It is the first international aid to arrive in Mekele since fighting erupted in Tigray more than one month ago," the Geneva-based ICRC said. Ethiopian government had imposed a communication blackout as a result of which it was hard to accurately ascertain the situation inside Tigray during the conflict. International agencies including the United Nations had repeatedly underlined the humanitarian crisis in Tigray which saw an exodus of thousands of civilians into neighbouring regions and even neighbouring countries. Also Read | Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps; UN shows concern Ethiopia's current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel peace prize recipient last year, has stressed that the humanitarian aid program in the Tigray region will be led by his government. There have been numerous call from around the world for Ethiopian government to step-up its efforts to help civilians many of whom are facing shortage of food, water and medicines. (With AFP inputs)

First international aid convoy arrives in Tigray: Report 

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed retaliated by ordering a military operation which culminated with the overthrow of the local government

Tensions between Ethiopian govt and Tigray forces intensify

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory a month after the fighting began, causing bombings, ground combat, among other things by both the sides.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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However, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) vowed to continue fighting.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-united-nations-agree-on-humanitarian-access-to-war-hit-tigray-347175">Ethiopia, United Nations agree on humanitarian access to war-hit Tigray</a>

"We have reports of fighting still going on in many parts of Tigray. This is concerning and it's a complex situation for us," Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian coordination office told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The UN on Wednesday said it had reached a deal to carry out aid work in areas of Tigray that were run by the government.&nbsp;

However, three UN officials confirmed to AFP that security assessments are ongoing and aid was not expected to come before next week.&nbsp;

"Basically, at the moment there is no access," an official said. &nbsp;

The conflict in Tigray has caused a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people have already lost their lives and tens of thousands are seeking refuge in Sudan.&nbsp;

The UN has also been warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory a month after the fighting began, causing bombings, ground combat, among other things by both the sides. Watch | However, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) vowed to continue fighting. Also read | Ethiopia, United Nations agree on humanitarian access to war-hit Tigray "We have reports of fighting still going on in many parts of Tigray. This is concerning and it's a complex situation for us," Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian coordination office told news agency AFP. The UN on Wednesday said it had reached a deal to carry out aid work in areas of Tigray that were run by the government. However, three UN officials confirmed to AFP that security assessments are ongoing and aid was not expected to come before next week. "Basically, at the moment there is no access," an official said. The conflict in Tigray has caused a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people have already lost their lives and tens of thousands are seeking refuge in Sudan. The UN has also been warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

Fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray continues; humanitarian aid stalled: UN

More than 45,000 refugees have crossed into neighbouring Sudan, while many more have been displaced within Tigray

An act of kindness: Kanoush devotes his free time helping other Ethiopian refugees

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-pm-tells-african-envoys-he-will-protect-civilians-in-tigray-345885">Ethiopian</a> government forces on Saturday began heavy shelling in Tigray in a bid to capture regional capital Mekelle as rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front(TLF)forces dug in for a fight.

Watch:

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Reports said large explosions were heard in the north of the city in the Hamidai area. The Ethiopian PM's office has asserted that its forces will not "bombard" civilian areas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-target-eritrea-as-ethiopia-leader-resists-calls-for-dialogue-345982">Also Read:&nbsp;Rockets target Eritrea as Ethiopia leader resists calls for dialogue</a>

"The safety of Ethiopians in Mekelle and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-ethiopia-fighting-destabilising-region-urges-ceasefire-345230">Tigray</a> region continues as a priority for the federal government," the government spokesman said. The Abiy government had given the TPLF forces an ultimatum until last Sunday to lay down arms or face an assault on Mekelle.

The Ethiopian army has been fighting the TLP in Tigray which borders Eritrea and Sudan since November 4.

PM Abiy has accused the rebel forces of attacking troops at a base in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopias-21st-mechanised-division-completely-destroyed-claim-tigray-forces-345067">Tigray</a> even as the TLP said it was a pre-emptive strike by the federal troops.

The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis with at least 43,000 refugees fleeing to Sudan. The International Crisis Group has said the conflict has left thousands dead "including many civilians as well as security forces".

Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun even as leaders worldwide including the Pope expressed concern over the intensifying fighting in in the region.

However, PM Abiy Ahmed has refused to negotiate with the TPLF and dismissed calls for dialogue as "interference" in Ethiopia's internal affairs.

Ethiopian government forces on Saturday began heavy shelling in Tigray in a bid to capture regional capital Mekelle as rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front(TLF)forces dug in for a fight.

Ethiopian government forces on Saturday began heavy shelling in Tigray in a bid to capture regional capital Mekelle as rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front(TLF)forces dug in for a fight. Watch: Reports said large explosions were heard in the north of the city in the Hamidai area. The Ethiopian PM's office has asserted that its forces will not "bombard" civilian areas. Also Read: Rockets target Eritrea as Ethiopia leader resists calls for dialogue "The safety of Ethiopians in Mekelle and Tigray region continues as a priority for the federal government," the government spokesman said. The Abiy government had given the TPLF forces an ultimatum until last Sunday to lay down arms or face an assault on Mekelle. The Ethiopian army has been fighting the TLP in Tigray which borders Eritrea and Sudan since November 4. PM Abiy has accused the rebel forces of attacking troops at a base in Tigray even as the TLP said it was a pre-emptive strike by the federal troops. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis with at least 43,000 refugees fleeing to Sudan. The International Crisis Group has said the conflict has left thousands dead "including many civilians as well as security forces". Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun even as leaders worldwide including the Pope expressed concern over the intensifying fighting in in the region. However, PM Abiy Ahmed has refused to negotiate with the TPLF and dismissed calls for dialogue as "interference" in Ethiopia's internal affairs.

Ethiopian forces begin offensive on Tigray with heavy shelling

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ordered his military to launch a final offensive against Tigray leaders. Abiy Ahmed who won noble peace prize just last year in 2019 gave the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) 72-hours to ley down their weapons.

Ethiopia to launch 'final phase' of offensive against Tigray leaders

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government will protect civilians in the northern region of Tigray, he told African peace envoys on Friday, a day after he announced the military was beginning the "final phase" of an offensive there.

But a statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting that began on November&nbsp;04.

The government had given the TPLF until Wednesday to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle, the regional capital of 500,000 people, raising fears among aid groups of extensive civilian casualties.

In a statement issued after Abiy met the African Union envoys — former presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa — the prime minister`s office said the government was committed to the "protection and security of civilians".

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The statement thanked the envoys for imparting their "wisdom, insights, and readiness to support in any way they are needed" and did not mention any plans for further discussions with them.

The envoys had been sent to Addis Ababa to help mediate in the conflict, something that Abiy had already made clear he did not want.

The prime minister, who won last year's Nobel Peace Prize for ending a two-decade standoff with Eritrea, has said he will not talk to TPLF leaders until they are defeated or give up.

Thousands of people are already believed to have been killed following airstrikes and ground fighting. The United Nations estimates 1.1 million Ethiopians will need aid as a result of the conflict.

The bloodshed has sent shockwaves through the Horn of Africa. More than 43,000 refugees have fled to Sudan. TPLF rockets have hit the capital of neighbouring Eritrea.

Reuters was unable to reach the TPLF for comment on Friday morning, but two diplomats said fighting raged in several areas outside Mekelle. A resident of Mekelle said the city itself was quiet on Thursday night. The United Nations says 200 aid workers are in the city.

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With phone and internet connections shut off to the region and access to the area tightly controlled, verifying claims by all sides has been impossible.

Pamphlets

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said on Thursday the government was trying to make people in the city aware of the military operation.

"We have made the people of Mekelle to be aware of the operation by deploying military helicopters and dropping pamphlets in Tigrinya and also in Amharic so that they protect themselves against this," he told France24.

Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, said such efforts were not akin to protecting civilians from harm.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-ethiopia-fighting-destabilising-region-urges-ceasefire-345230">EU says Ethiopia fighting destabilising region, urges ceasefire</a>

He also said on Twitter that "with evidence mounting of atrocities committed by both sides in Ethiopia`s Tigray province, it`s essential to send in international investigators now".

Rights investigators and civilians fleeing the conflict say fighters from both sides, including civilian militias supporting more formal security forces, have carried out mass killings. Both the government and the TPLF deny their forces were involved.

Abiy`s office said on Thursday that authorities were opening a humanitarian access route, but the U.N. said it had no information on that and the region was blocked to aid groups.

Tigrayans, who make up about 6% of Ethiopia`s 115 million population, dominated the government until Abiy took power two years ago.

Abiy pledged to unite Ethiopians and introduce freedoms after years of state repression that filled jails with tens of thousands of political prisoners. His government also put senior Tigrayan officials on trial for crimes such as corruption, torture and murder. The region saw those trials as discrimination.

Abiy’s reforms created more political space but also lifted the lid on long-repressed tensions over land and resources. In September, before the Tigray hostilities began, the U.N. migration agency IOM said conflict had displaced more than 1.2 million Ethiopians around the country.

Abiy accuses Tigrayan leaders of starting the war by attacking federal troops at a base in Tigray three weeks ago. The TPLF say the attack was a pre-emptive strike.

Tigrayan forces have large stocks of military hardware and number up to 250,000 men, experts say, while the region has a history of guerrilla resistance.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government will protect civilians in the northern region of Tigray, he told African peace envoys on Friday, a day after he announced the military was beginning the "final phase" of an offensive there.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government will protect civilians in the northern region of Tigray, he told African peace envoys on Friday, a day after he announced the military was beginning the "final phase" of an offensive there. But a statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting that began on November 04. The government had given the TPLF until Wednesday to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle, the regional capital of 500,000 people, raising fears among aid groups of extensive civilian casualties. In a statement issued after Abiy met the African Union envoys — former presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa — the prime minister`s office said the government was committed to the "protection and security of civilians". × The statement thanked the envoys for imparting their "wisdom, insights, and readiness to support in any way they are needed" and did not mention any plans for further discussions with them. The envoys had been sent to Addis Ababa to help mediate in the conflict, something that Abiy had already made clear he did not want. The prime minister, who won last year's Nobel Peace Prize for ending a two-decade standoff with Eritrea, has said he will not talk to TPLF leaders until they are defeated or give up. Thousands of people are already believed to have been killed following airstrikes and ground fighting. The United Nations estimates 1.1 million Ethiopians will need aid as a result of the conflict. The bloodshed has sent shockwaves through the Horn of Africa. More than 43,000 refugees have fled to Sudan. TPLF rockets have hit the capital of neighbouring Eritrea. Reuters was unable to reach the TPLF for comment on Friday morning, but two diplomats said fighting raged in several areas outside Mekelle. A resident of Mekelle said the city itself was quiet on Thursday night. The United Nations says 200 aid workers are in the city. × With phone and internet connections shut off to the region and access to the area tightly controlled, verifying claims by all sides has been impossible. Pamphlets Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said on Thursday the government was trying to make people in the city aware of the military operation. "We have made the people of Mekelle to be aware of the operation by deploying military helicopters and dropping pamphlets in Tigrinya and also in Amharic so that they protect themselves against this," he told France24. Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, said such efforts were not akin to protecting civilians from harm. Also read| EU says Ethiopia fighting destabilising region, urges ceasefire He also said on Twitter that "with evidence mounting of atrocities committed by both sides in Ethiopia`s Tigray province, it`s essential to send in international investigators now". Rights investigators and civilians fleeing the conflict say fighters from both sides, including civilian militias supporting more formal security forces, have carried out mass killings. Both the government and the TPLF deny their forces were involved. Abiy`s office said on Thursday that authorities were opening a humanitarian access route, but the U.N. said it had no information on that and the region was blocked to aid groups. Tigrayans, who make up about 6% of Ethiopia`s 115 million population, dominated the government until Abiy took power two years ago. Abiy pledged to unite Ethiopians and introduce freedoms after years of state repression that filled jails with tens of thousands of political prisoners. His government also put senior Tigrayan officials on trial for crimes such as corruption, torture and murder. The region saw those trials as discrimination. Abiy’s reforms created more political space but also lifted the lid on long-repressed tensions over land and resources. In September, before the Tigray hostilities began, the U.N. migration agency IOM said conflict had displaced more than 1.2 million Ethiopians around the country. Abiy accuses Tigrayan leaders of starting the war by attacking federal troops at a base in Tigray three weeks ago. The TPLF say the attack was a pre-emptive strike. Tigrayan forces have large stocks of military hardware and number up to 250,000 men, experts say, while the region has a history of guerrilla resistance.

Ethiopian PM tells African envoys he will protect civilians in Tigray

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) 72 hours to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle

Ethiopia orders final offensive in Tigray region after ultimatum expires

The situation in northern Ethiopia escalated on November 3, when militants of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front attacked the Northern Command’s facilities

Abiy Ahmed: Will receive envoys but not talk with TPLF

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave Tigrayan regional forces 72 hours to surrender before the military begins an offensive on the regional capital of Mekelle.

Ethiopia PM gives Tigray forces 72 hours to surrender regional capital

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday gave an ultimatum of 72 hours to dissident leaders in the northern region of Tigray to surrender, warning this is the "last opportunity". &nbsp;

"Your journey of destruction is coming to an end, and we urge you to surrender peacefully within the next 72 hours, recognising you are at a point of no return," the prime minister said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-government-troops-push-towards-tigray-capital-rebuff-mediation-344553">Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation</a>

"Take this last opportunity."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-violence-has-put-23-million-children-in-crisis-unicef-344285">Ethiopia violence has put 2.3 million children in crisis: UNICEF</a>

Abiy started the military operation against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on November 4.

Hundreds of people have been killed in the attacks via bombing, aerial combat and ground fighting, but, it's difficult to estimate which side received more damage due to a communications blackout.&nbsp;

Abiy also told the TPLF forces to "surrender peacefully" and urged the people of Tigray's capital Mekele to back the army "in bringing this treasonous group to justice"&nbsp;

Earlier today, the nation's army had threatened that it would besiege the city and warned civilians to escape before the conditions worsened.&nbsp;

The conflict has already led to hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Sudan.&nbsp;

The government accuses the Tigrayan rebels of revolting against central authority by attacking federal troops in the town of Dansha on Nov 4.

The rebels claim that Abiy government has marginalised Tigrayans after coming to power two years ago, excluding them from major roles in government and the military and detaining several on rights abuse and corruption charges.

 
&nbsp;

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday gave an ultimatum of 72 hours to dissident leaders in the northern region of Tigray to surrender, warning this is the "last opportunity".

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday gave an ultimatum of 72 hours to dissident leaders in the northern region of Tigray to surrender, warning this is the "last opportunity". "Your journey of destruction is coming to an end, and we urge you to surrender peacefully within the next 72 hours, recognising you are at a point of no return," the prime minister said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation "Take this last opportunity." Also read | Ethiopia violence has put 2.3 million children in crisis: UNICEF Abiy started the military operation against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on November 4. Hundreds of people have been killed in the attacks via bombing, aerial combat and ground fighting, but, it's difficult to estimate which side received more damage due to a communications blackout. Abiy also told the TPLF forces to "surrender peacefully" and urged the people of Tigray's capital Mekele to back the army "in bringing this treasonous group to justice" Earlier today, the nation's army had threatened that it would besiege the city and warned civilians to escape before the conditions worsened. The conflict has already led to hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Sudan. The government accuses the Tigrayan rebels of revolting against central authority by attacking federal troops in the town of Dansha on Nov 4. The rebels claim that Abiy government has marginalised Tigrayans after coming to power two years ago, excluding them from major roles in government and the military and detaining several on rights abuse and corruption charges.

'Last opportunity': Ethiopian PM gives 72-hours ultimatum to Tigray rebels

Ethiopia's government said its forces have been advancing towards Tigray region on Saturday after PM Abiy Ahmed unleashed a military campaign against the Tigray People's Liberation Front(TPLF) on November 4.

Watch:

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-violence-has-put-23-million-children-in-crisis-unicef-344285">Ethiopian</a> forces said they had seized another town as they advance towards the capital of the northern Tigray region.

The government forces said they were set to take Mekelle even as TPLF&nbsp;dug in and said they had made advances in southern and northern fronts.

The federal forces said they had taken control of several towns including Aksum and Adigrat which is north Mekelle even as there were reports of rocket attack on Bahir Dar which is the capital of Asmara region.

Tigray forces had earlier accused the government of bombing a university in capital Mekelle.&nbsp;

Earlier, Tigray forces had fired rockets at two airports in Amhara as the fighting escalated.

The fighting has created a humanitarian crisis as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/full-scale-humanitarian-crisis-unfolding-in-ethiopia-united-nations-343745">UNHCR</a> said 31,000 refugees had already reached Sudan as UN chief Antonio Guterres had warned about "dramatic humanitarian impact".

"Our forces have now fully liberated Adigrat town from TPLF militia as of today," Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-carries-out-air-strikes-in-tigray-pm-says-surrender-ultimatum-over-343644">Abiy Ahmed</a> who had won last year's Nobel Peace Prize, said, adding, "Together with the rest of Ethiopia, we will work to ensure that all humanitarian needs will be addressed."

"The overall safety and well-being of the people of Tigray is of paramount importance to the Federal government and we will do all that is necessary to ensure stability prevails in the Tigray region and that our citizens are free from harm and want," Abiy Ahmed asserted.

Ethiopia's government said its forces have been advancing towards Tigray region on Saturday after PM Abiy Ahmed unleashed a military campaign against the Tigray People's Liberation Front(TPLF) on November 4.

Ethiopia's government said its forces have been advancing towards Tigray region on Saturday after PM Abiy Ahmed unleashed a military campaign against the Tigray People's Liberation Front(TPLF) on November 4. Watch: The Ethiopian forces said they had seized another town as they advance towards the capital of the northern Tigray region. The government forces said they were set to take Mekelle even as TPLF dug in and said they had made advances in southern and northern fronts. The federal forces said they had taken control of several towns including Aksum and Adigrat which is north Mekelle even as there were reports of rocket attack on Bahir Dar which is the capital of Asmara region. Tigray forces had earlier accused the government of bombing a university in capital Mekelle. Earlier, Tigray forces had fired rockets at two airports in Amhara as the fighting escalated. The fighting has created a humanitarian crisis as the UNHCR said 31,000 refugees had already reached Sudan as UN chief Antonio Guterres had warned about "dramatic humanitarian impact". "Our forces have now fully liberated Adigrat town from TPLF militia as of today," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who had won last year's Nobel Peace Prize, said, adding, "Together with the rest of Ethiopia, we will work to ensure that all humanitarian needs will be addressed." "The overall safety and well-being of the people of Tigray is of paramount importance to the Federal government and we will do all that is necessary to ensure stability prevails in the Tigray region and that our citizens are free from harm and want," Abiy Ahmed asserted.

Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation

Ethiopia said its troops were marching on the capital of the Tigray region on Tuesday after a deadline for rebel forces to surrender passed in a two-week conflict shaking the Horn of Africa and alarming the world.

Ethiopia says its troops marching on Tigrayan capital Mekele

At least 34 people killed after gunmen attacked a passenger bus in western Ethiopia, the national human rights body said on Sunday.&nbsp;

"The estimated number of casualties, currently at 34, is likely to rise" from the attack which happened on Saturday night in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, a statement from The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"The latest attack is a grim addition to the human cost which we bear collectively," said Daniel Bekele, commission head, as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

The statement also said the bus attack took place in the Debate administrative area, and that "there are reports of similar attacks" in three other regions.&nbsp;

Growing incidents of violence have been reported from Benishangul-Gumuz, especially in Metekel zone, where Debate is located in recent times.&nbsp;

As many as 12 people were killed in an attack in the zone in October, while 15 lost their lives in a similar attack in late September.

The nation is seeing a number of deadly assaults following November 4 order announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to initiate military operations in Tigray, a long-running conflicting region ruled by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

In another development on Sunday, the leader of the Tigray region claimed responsibility for rocket strikes in neighbouring Eritrea's capital airport.&nbsp;

There was not an immediate reaction from the Eritrean or Ethiopian governments on it.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At least 34 people killed after gunmen attacked a passenger bus in western Ethiopia, the national human rights body said on Sunday. "The estimated number of casualties, currently at 34, is likely to rise" from the attack which happened on Saturday night in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, a statement from The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, as quoted by news agency AFP.

At least 34 people killed after gunmen attacked a passenger bus in western Ethiopia, the national human rights body said on Sunday. "The estimated number of casualties, currently at 34, is likely to rise" from the attack which happened on Saturday night in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, a statement from The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, as quoted by news agency AFP. "The latest attack is a grim addition to the human cost which we bear collectively," said Daniel Bekele, commission head, as reported by news agency Reuters. The statement also said the bus attack took place in the Debate administrative area, and that "there are reports of similar attacks" in three other regions. Growing incidents of violence have been reported from Benishangul-Gumuz, especially in Metekel zone, where Debate is located in recent times. As many as 12 people were killed in an attack in the zone in October, while 15 lost their lives in a similar attack in late September. The nation is seeing a number of deadly assaults following November 4 order announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to initiate military operations in Tigray, a long-running conflicting region ruled by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). In another development on Sunday, the leader of the Tigray region claimed responsibility for rocket strikes in neighbouring Eritrea's capital airport. There was not an immediate reaction from the Eritrean or Ethiopian governments on it.

Ethiopia: At least 34 killed in bus attack

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender.

"War is an epitome of hell. I know because I have been there and back," said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after he received Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Today, he is a wartime leader who is marching his troops into his own country. On Thursday, (November 12), Abiy claimed a major victory as his forces captured western Tigray. But this came at a high cost. The ethnic faultlines have re-emerged. There are reports of a massacre.

Hundreds of civilians, hacked to death by forces loyal to the regional leadership. If these reports are confirmed, this would amount to war crimes.

Abiy has promised a swift end to the fighting. A return to normalcy in no time. He has named a new local leader to oversee the transition.

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"We are confident that in a relatively short period of time, we will accomplish our objectives and create a conducive environment for life to return to normalcy for our citizens in Tigray," said Ahmed.

But this is easier said than done. Tigray is a battle-hardy province. Its leader has vowed to fight till the end. Although he is putting up a brave front the Prime minister too is buckling down for the long haul.

In Addis Ababa, the government launched a civilian blood drive. Hundreds turned up to donate. The war is popular among non-Tigrayans.

But casualties are mounting. A long conflict could destabilise not just Ethiopia. But the larger, horn of Africa region.

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In the early stages, Abiy claimed his feud was with Tigray's ruling party and not its people. But that's becoming increasingly hard to believe.

On Friday Ethiopian police visited a UN office in Amhara. They wanted a list of Tigrayan people working there.

Moreover, A Tigrayan official at the African Union was also fired. The order came directly from Ethiopia's defence minister. The reason? Alleged disloyalty.

The fighting in Tigray has displaced more than 14,000 people. Among them are thousands of minors. They are fleeing en masse to neighbouring Sudan.

But the country does not have the resources to host these many people. The only way Ethiopia can avoid more bloodshed is if PM Abiy relents and agrees to talks with Tigray's leadership.

The 2019 Abiy would have wanted talks. All he needs to do is listen to his own advice.

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender.

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender. "War is an epitome of hell. I know because I have been there and back," said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after he received Nobel Peace Prize last year. Today, he is a wartime leader who is marching his troops into his own country. On Thursday, (November 12), Abiy claimed a major victory as his forces captured western Tigray. But this came at a high cost. The ethnic faultlines have re-emerged. There are reports of a massacre. Hundreds of civilians, hacked to death by forces loyal to the regional leadership. If these reports are confirmed, this would amount to war crimes. Abiy has promised a swift end to the fighting. A return to normalcy in no time. He has named a new local leader to oversee the transition. × "We are confident that in a relatively short period of time, we will accomplish our objectives and create a conducive environment for life to return to normalcy for our citizens in Tigray," said Ahmed. But this is easier said than done. Tigray is a battle-hardy province. Its leader has vowed to fight till the end. Although he is putting up a brave front the Prime minister too is buckling down for the long haul. In Addis Ababa, the government launched a civilian blood drive. Hundreds turned up to donate. The war is popular among non-Tigrayans. But casualties are mounting. A long conflict could destabilise not just Ethiopia. But the larger, horn of Africa region. × In the early stages, Abiy claimed his feud was with Tigray's ruling party and not its people. But that's becoming increasingly hard to believe. On Friday Ethiopian police visited a UN office in Amhara. They wanted a list of Tigrayan people working there. Moreover, A Tigrayan official at the African Union was also fired. The order came directly from Ethiopia's defence minister. The reason? Alleged disloyalty. The fighting in Tigray has displaced more than 14,000 people. Among them are thousands of minors. They are fleeing en masse to neighbouring Sudan. But the country does not have the resources to host these many people. The only way Ethiopia can avoid more bloodshed is if PM Abiy relents and agrees to talks with Tigray's leadership. The 2019 Abiy would have wanted talks. All he needs to do is listen to his own advice.

Ethiopia: Casualties mount as Tigray conflict turns into humanitarian crisis

Around this time last year, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, Ethiopia is standing on the brink of civil war on his watch. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ethiopia on the brink of a civil war

It was around this time last that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. After 16 years of deadlock, he negotiated a peace deal with neighbouring Eritrea. At home, he introduced far-reaching reforms. Today, he is ordering airstrikes on his own people. Under his watch, Ethiopia is standing on the brink of a civil war. You can add Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the list of Nobel laureates but one who ended up committing or defending unspeakable crimes.&nbsp;

550 rebels have been killed. More than 6,000 people have been forced to flee. With a defiant, power-hungry regional power and a prime minister promising outright victory, conflict in Tigray may soon qualify as a civil war.

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Abiy Ahmed's relationship with regional leadership has always been strained. It reached a tipping point last week. Tigray's ruling party attacked federal troops. In response, Abiy ordered an all-out offensive.

There are reports of heavy fighting in Tigray. But news is becoming increasingly difficult to gather. There is a complete communications blackout. Internet, phone lines and electricity have been cut. Journalists are being arrested.

The government is attempting to control the narrative of this war. A reversal of Abiy's early reforms - that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The prime minister feels he is on the verge of victory. On Monday the scenes in the border town of Dansha reflected his optimism.

"I surrendered to the army because we must not go to war for false reasons. We should be defending our national unity and guarding it. So the young men of Tigray region should not go to war," said a militiaman of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

But not everyone in Tigray shares this feeling. Prime Minister Abiy hails from the Oromo ethnic group. The largest in Ethiopia. Historically, the Oromos and Tigrayans have been rivals. This war may reignite the rivalry.

To the South, another fault-line is opening up. The Amharas. They have a long-standing dispute with Tigray over land. When Abiy announced the war the Amharas gave their full support.

Thousands of Amhara fighters are now deployed in Tigray.

"Our military safeguard our nation and keep us united. While we were living peacefully together they TPLF attacked our defence force. We were hurt by that and our people were killed," said Zeleke Alabachew, local militiaman.

Prime minister Abiy has promised that Ethiopia will not descend into chaos. But the African community is worried. Both, the United Nations and the African Union have called for a ceasefire.

A civil war in Ethiopia could destabilise the whole region. thousands are fleeing to Sudan, forcing the country to reinforce its border. Whether this conflict spirals into a civil war, or not depends on one factor. The people of Tigray. If they shift their loyalty to the federal government, The war could draw to an early close.

It was around this time last that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. After 16 years of deadlock, he negotiated a peace deal with neighbouring Eritrea.

It was around this time last that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. After 16 years of deadlock, he negotiated a peace deal with neighbouring Eritrea. At home, he introduced far-reaching reforms. Today, he is ordering airstrikes on his own people. Under his watch, Ethiopia is standing on the brink of a civil war. You can add Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the list of Nobel laureates but one who ended up committing or defending unspeakable crimes. 550 rebels have been killed. More than 6,000 people have been forced to flee. With a defiant, power-hungry regional power and a prime minister promising outright victory, conflict in Tigray may soon qualify as a civil war. Abiy Ahmed's relationship with regional leadership has always been strained. It reached a tipping point last week. Tigray's ruling party attacked federal troops. In response, Abiy ordered an all-out offensive. There are reports of heavy fighting in Tigray. But news is becoming increasingly difficult to gather. There is a complete communications blackout. Internet, phone lines and electricity have been cut. Journalists are being arrested. The government is attempting to control the narrative of this war. A reversal of Abiy's early reforms - that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize. The prime minister feels he is on the verge of victory. On Monday the scenes in the border town of Dansha reflected his optimism. "I surrendered to the army because we must not go to war for false reasons. We should be defending our national unity and guarding it. So the young men of Tigray region should not go to war," said a militiaman of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). But not everyone in Tigray shares this feeling. Prime Minister Abiy hails from the Oromo ethnic group. The largest in Ethiopia. Historically, the Oromos and Tigrayans have been rivals. This war may reignite the rivalry. To the South, another fault-line is opening up. The Amharas. They have a long-standing dispute with Tigray over land. When Abiy announced the war the Amharas gave their full support. Thousands of Amhara fighters are now deployed in Tigray. "Our military safeguard our nation and keep us united. While we were living peacefully together they TPLF attacked our defence force. We were hurt by that and our people were killed," said Zeleke Alabachew, local militiaman. Prime minister Abiy has promised that Ethiopia will not descend into chaos. But the African community is worried. Both, the United Nations and the African Union have called for a ceasefire. A civil war in Ethiopia could destabilise the whole region. thousands are fleeing to Sudan, forcing the country to reinforce its border. Whether this conflict spirals into a civil war, or not depends on one factor. The people of Tigray. If they shift their loyalty to the federal government, The war could draw to an early close.

Will conflict within Ethiopia drag the country into chaos?

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced his army chief on Sunday and elevated deputy army chief to his position. The move came as the country fought its own Tigray region. The five-day conflict has seen number of wounded soldiers continuously increase. Abiy's office did not specify any reason for the latest move and only said that Deputy Army Chief Berhanu Jula will take over as army chief from his predecessor General Adem Mohammed. No announcement has been as of now as to in what capacity General Mohammed will serve the army.

The announcement came as a medical official told AFP that nearly 100 government soldiers had been treated for gunshot wounds at a hospital in the northern Amhara region, the latest indication that fighting has been intense.&nbsp;

Abiy and military leaders have touted Ethiopian soldiers' successes against forces loyal to the Tigray ruling party, but a communications blackout in the region has made their accounts difficult to verify.

On roads in the northern part of Ethiopia's Amhara region, ambulances can frequently be seen ferrying wounded combatants to hospitals. 
In the town of Sanja, 98 government soldiers have been treated for "gunfire" injuries, a doctor told AFP.

"We have had 98 cases. All of them are soldiers from the national army," said the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said there were no fatalities at the hospital, but noted more serious cases have been transported to larger hospitals in the city of Gondar and elsewhere.

Reports of dead and wounded soldiers have mounted in recent days in Amhara, where a humanitarian aid worker said three died and 35 were treated on Saturday. On Friday 105 were reported injured and five killed in the region.

There are growing fears that Ethiopia will soon witness a civil war between the government forces and Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the ruling party of the Tigray region.

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, the winner of last year's Nobel peace prize, sent federal troops and aircraft into Tigray in a major escalation of a long-running feud.

Sunday's reshuffle also saw new appointments for deputy army chief, foreign minister and federal police commissioner, while the president of Amhara was transferred to head Ethiopia's intelligence service.

No reason was given for those changes either.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced his army chief on Sunday and elevated deputy army chief to his position. The move came as the country fought its own Tigray region.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced his army chief on Sunday and elevated deputy army chief to his position. The move came as the country fought its own Tigray region. The five-day conflict has seen number of wounded soldiers continuously increase. Abiy's office did not specify any reason for the latest move and only said that Deputy Army Chief Berhanu Jula will take over as army chief from his predecessor General Adem Mohammed. No announcement has been as of now as to in what capacity General Mohammed will serve the army. The announcement came as a medical official told AFP that nearly 100 government soldiers had been treated for gunshot wounds at a hospital in the northern Amhara region, the latest indication that fighting has been intense. Abiy and military leaders have touted Ethiopian soldiers' successes against forces loyal to the Tigray ruling party, but a communications blackout in the region has made their accounts difficult to verify. On roads in the northern part of Ethiopia's Amhara region, ambulances can frequently be seen ferrying wounded combatants to hospitals. In the town of Sanja, 98 government soldiers have been treated for "gunfire" injuries, a doctor told AFP. "We have had 98 cases. All of them are soldiers from the national army," said the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said there were no fatalities at the hospital, but noted more serious cases have been transported to larger hospitals in the city of Gondar and elsewhere. Reports of dead and wounded soldiers have mounted in recent days in Amhara, where a humanitarian aid worker said three died and 35 were treated on Saturday. On Friday 105 were reported injured and five killed in the region. There are growing fears that Ethiopia will soon witness a civil war between the government forces and Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the ruling party of the Tigray region. Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, the winner of last year's Nobel peace prize, sent federal troops and aircraft into Tigray in a major escalation of a long-running feud. Sunday's reshuffle also saw new appointments for deputy army chief, foreign minister and federal police commissioner, while the president of Amhara was transferred to head Ethiopia's intelligence service. No reason was given for those changes either. (With AFP inputs)

Ethiopia PM replaces army chief amid conflict with Tigray region

Ethiopia's government Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Tigray after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military response to a deadly attack by the ruling party of the restive region on a federal troop camp.

A statement issued by Abiy's office said the Federal Council of Ministers made the declaration "recognising that illegal and violent activities within the National Regional State of Tigray are endangering the constitution and constitutional order."

In September, Tigray held regional elections in defiance of the federal government, which called the vote "illegal". The row has escalated in recent days with both sides accusing each other of plotting a military conflict.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said that early on Wednesday, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) tried to steal artillery and other equipment from federal forces stationed there.

"The last red line has been crossed with this morning's attacks and the federal government is therefore forced into a military confrontation," it said, adding that the aim was to prevent instability engulfing the country and region.

The prime minister's spokesman Billene Seyoum told Reuters later that military operations in Tigray had commenced, without elaborating.

Two diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa said heavy fighting, including artillery fire, had broken out in the northern region, which borders Eritrea.

Tigray's local government said the Northern Command of the federal military, which is stationed in the region, had defected to its side, a statement which Billene described as "false information".

The prime minister's office said the federal government had declared a six-month state of emergency in Tigray to be overseen by the chief of staff of the armed forces.

The internet was shut down in the region, internet access monitor NetBlocks said, confirming reports that authorities had shut down telephone and internet services.

Tigrayans dominated&nbsp;Ethiopian politics after guerrilla fighters ousted a Marxist dictator in 1991, but their influence has waned under Abiy. Last year, the TPLF quit his ruling coalition.

Since Abiy came to power in 2018, many senior Tigrayan officials have been detained, fired or sidelined, in what the federal government describes as a clamp-down on corruption but Tigrayans see as a means to quell dissent.

Tigray's population makes up 5% of&nbsp;Ethiopia's 109 million people, but it is wealthier and more influential than many other, larger regions.

Ethiopia's government Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Tigray after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military response to a deadly attack by the ruling party of the restive region on a federal troop camp.

Ethiopia's government Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Tigray after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military response to a deadly attack by the ruling party of the restive region on a federal troop camp. A statement issued by Abiy's office said the Federal Council of Ministers made the declaration "recognising that illegal and violent activities within the National Regional State of Tigray are endangering the constitution and constitutional order." In September, Tigray held regional elections in defiance of the federal government, which called the vote "illegal". The row has escalated in recent days with both sides accusing each other of plotting a military conflict. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said that early on Wednesday, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) tried to steal artillery and other equipment from federal forces stationed there. "The last red line has been crossed with this morning's attacks and the federal government is therefore forced into a military confrontation," it said, adding that the aim was to prevent instability engulfing the country and region. The prime minister's spokesman Billene Seyoum told Reuters later that military operations in Tigray had commenced, without elaborating. Two diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa said heavy fighting, including artillery fire, had broken out in the northern region, which borders Eritrea. Tigray's local government said the Northern Command of the federal military, which is stationed in the region, had defected to its side, a statement which Billene described as "false information". The prime minister's office said the federal government had declared a six-month state of emergency in Tigray to be overseen by the chief of staff of the armed forces. The internet was shut down in the region, internet access monitor NetBlocks said, confirming reports that authorities had shut down telephone and internet services. Tigrayans dominated Ethiopian politics after guerrilla fighters ousted a Marxist dictator in 1991, but their influence has waned under Abiy. Last year, the TPLF quit his ruling coalition. Since Abiy came to power in 2018, many senior Tigrayan officials have been detained, fired or sidelined, in what the federal government describes as a clamp-down on corruption but Tigrayans see as a means to quell dissent. Tigray's population makes up 5% of Ethiopia's 109 million people, but it is wealthier and more influential than many other, larger regions.

Ethiopia declares state of emergency in Tigray region

Tigray is holding elections despite the federal government to delay all polls over coronavirus fears. The elections in Tigray have now exposed the divisions that have characterized Abiy Ahmed as Prime minister.

Rebel vote in Ethiopia: Tigray leaders reject poll delay

Hundreds of migrants are stuck in detention centres un Saudi Arabia, and&nbsp;Ethiopia has admitted that it is not doing enough to assist the migrants out of the detention centres.

A statement released by the foreign ministry of&nbsp;Ethiopia read, "The Ethiopian government needs to exert higher effort in fighting human traffickers and brokers, making border controls more effective, and creating awareness for the youth."

"We are not doing enough."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-saudi-arabia-and-pakistan-are-influencing-uns-counter-terrorism-wing-324820">Also read|&nbsp;How Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are influencing UN's counter-terrorism wing</a>

The statement came after the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed faced immense criticism at home and from overseas for facilitating the return of the migrants who got stuck due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The&nbsp;Ethiopians stuck in the detention camps are majority of those who went to Saudi Arabia to look for work. Majority of immigrants reach Saudi by putting their lives at risk by travelling in overcrowded boats that face the risk of sinking&nbsp;during sea crossings that usually continue for more than a day.

Up to half a million Ethiopians were in Saudi Arabia when officials there launched a crackdown on illegal migrants in 2017, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabias-petrodollar-diplomacy-pakistan-asked-to-return-billion-dollar-loans-324818">Also read|&nbsp;Saudi Arabia's petrodollar diplomacy: Pakistan asked to return billion dollar loans</a>

Since then, approximately 10,000&nbsp;Ethiopians were being deported back to their home country on a monthly basis, until the start of this year. However, since the start of this year, migrants are now being detained under&nbsp;"arbitrary and abusive" conditions, as reported by Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

The issue came to light after a British newspaper published interviews of the immgrants, along with pictures of the detention camps, highlighting the unsanitary and inhumane conditions of the camps.

Saudi Arabia's embassy in the UK, after the report, quickly shifted the blame on the&nbsp;Ethiopian authorities accusing them of refusing to take the migrants back.

Ethiopia disputed this in its statement Thursday, saying it had "never refused to receive its citizens from any country but operates on according to principle and the availability of resources".&nbsp;

However, now, the Ethiopian government, on Thursday,&nbsp;praised Saudi Arabiafor "outstanding support extended to our citizens in general and Ethiopian irregular migrants in particular".

Hundreds of migrants are stuck in detention centres un Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia has admitted that it is not doing enough to assist the migrants out of the detention centres.

Hundreds of migrants are stuck in detention centres un Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia has admitted that it is not doing enough to assist the migrants out of the detention centres. A statement released by the foreign ministry of Ethiopia read, "The Ethiopian government needs to exert higher effort in fighting human traffickers and brokers, making border controls more effective, and creating awareness for the youth." "We are not doing enough." Also read| How Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are influencing UN's counter-terrorism wing The statement came after the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed faced immense criticism at home and from overseas for facilitating the return of the migrants who got stuck due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Ethiopians stuck in the detention camps are majority of those who went to Saudi Arabia to look for work. Majority of immigrants reach Saudi by putting their lives at risk by travelling in overcrowded boats that face the risk of sinking during sea crossings that usually continue for more than a day. Up to half a million Ethiopians were in Saudi Arabia when officials there launched a crackdown on illegal migrants in 2017, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). Also read| Saudi Arabia's petrodollar diplomacy: Pakistan asked to return billion dollar loans Since then, approximately 10,000 Ethiopians were being deported back to their home country on a monthly basis, until the start of this year. However, since the start of this year, migrants are now being detained under "arbitrary and abusive" conditions, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The issue came to light after a British newspaper published interviews of the immgrants, along with pictures of the detention camps, highlighting the unsanitary and inhumane conditions of the camps. Saudi Arabia's embassy in the UK, after the report, quickly shifted the blame on the Ethiopian authorities accusing them of refusing to take the migrants back. Ethiopia disputed this in its statement Thursday, saying it had "never refused to receive its citizens from any country but operates on according to principle and the availability of resources". However, now, the Ethiopian government, on Thursday, praised Saudi Arabiafor "outstanding support extended to our citizens in general and Ethiopian irregular migrants in particular".

'We are not doing enough': Ethiopia admits not helping enough to assist migrants in Saudi

Dispute about Ethiopia's controversial Nile dam

Ethiopia has reverted to chaos and violence. A bloody ethnic conflict has killed close to 250 people - mostly civilians. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has used the unrest to 'jail political opponents'.

Gravitas: Ethiopia's Nobel peace laureate at war

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Ethiopia PM replaces army chief amid conflict with Tigray region