Ethiopia Troops

Ethiopian troops captured Tigray’s capital, Mekelle, from the TPLF on 28 November, but fighting has reportedly continued in parts of the region.

The Ethiopian government on Friday denied the conflict was preventing aid reaching civilians.

Aid agencies say blocked access, delays and violence against staff are preventing aid deliveries to the region.

In response, a statement from the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said: “Suggestions that humanitarian assistance is impeded due to active military combat… within the Tigray region [are] untrue.”

Such statements undermine efforts to stabilise the region, it added.

What is the conflict about?
The conflict started on 4 November, when Mr Abiy ordered a military offensive against regional forces in Tigray.

He said he did so in response to an attack on a military base housing government troops in Tigray.

The escalation came after months of feuding between Mr Abiy’s government and leaders of Tigray’s dominant political party, the TPLF.

For almost three decades, the party was at the centre of power, before it was sidelined after Mr Abiy took office in 2018 in the wake of anti-government protests.