The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is closely monitoring the impacts of armed conflicts that erupted between the border areas of Tigray and Amhara, as well as Tigray and Afar regions.
It is recalled that the EHRC has been calling for an immediate end to the forced conscription that was being carried out in the Tigray region, the restrictions imposed on the right to freedom of expression, and the tensions and military movements occurring between the region and neighboring regions, urging that all issues be resolved through peaceful dialogue and legal means only. However, the EHRC has confirmed, based on the information and evidence it has gathered, that tensions in these areas have progressively escalated, and armed conflicts have now erupted and are actively ongoing in various areas. The recurrence of armed conflict is deeply concerning as it risks compounding the harm to human rights protection; Especially, these areas are repeatedly affected by armed conflicts and have not recovered well.
EHRC has learned that militants deployed by the group calling itself the “Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)” crossed into neighboring areas in the Afar and Amhara regions, launching an attack on September 22, 2026, starting at 3:00 AM. Similarly, the EHRC reported that conflicts broke out between government security forces and militants in areas of the Waghemra Zone along the Tigray-Amhara border and in Lasta Woreda of the North Wollo Zone.
These conflicts are severely affecting citizens’ rights to life, physical security, freedom of movement, and daily activities. For instance, the capture of Mekelle Alula Aba Nega, Shire, and Axum airports in the Tigray region by TPLF-deployed fighters since September 22, 2026, has halted flights and thereby affected people’s freedom of movement. In addition, land routes from the Tigray region to other parts of the country have been completely cut off, creating shortages in the supply of basic goods and services, triggering subsequent price inflation.
Berhanu Adello, EHRC’s Chief Commissioner, stated that the erupted conflict is deeply concerning and urged the forces involved, particularly the signatories to the Pretoria Agreement to honor their agreement. He emphasized that in all their actions and decisions they must abide by the obligation imposed on them by the international human rights and humanitarian laws, refraining especially from measures that endanger civilians and infrastructures. The Chief Commissioner further called on the international community to exert relentless diplomatic efforts to ensure the warring parties return to dialogue.