African Union Sounds Alarm as Ethiopia's Tigray Peace Deal Faces Fresh Threat
Addis Ababa, 30 January 2026
The African Union has urgently called for maximum restraint as new clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan fighters threaten to unravel the hard-won peace achieved in November 2022. Fighting has erupted in western Tigray’s disputed areas, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend all flights to the region and raising fears of a return to the devastating two-year conflict that killed nearly one million people and displaced millions more before the AU-brokered ceasefire was signed.
AU Chairperson Issues Urgent Warning Amid Escalating Violence
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf issued a statement on Friday expressing deep concern over recent developments in Ethiopia’s northernmost Tigray region [1][2][3]. The AU chief emphasised the paramount importance of preserving the hard-won gains achieved under the AU-led Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) [1][2]. Youssouf called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from actions that could undermine confidence, and resolve all outstanding issues through constructive dialogue in full adherence to the peace agreement [1][2][3].
Fresh Clashes Disrupt Fragile Peace in Disputed Western Areas
Reports indicate that clashes have erupted between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan fighters in parts of Tigray, particularly in Tsemlet, western Tigray, an area contested by forces from the neighbouring Amhara region [4]. The fighting has disrupted flights and heightened security concerns, according to diplomatic and security sources [4]. A full-fledged war is currently ongoing between government forces and the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) in Tsemlet, one of the disputed areas between the two neighbouring regions [5]. According to diplomatic and security sources, Tigrayan forces are currently facing a combined offensive from the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and Amhara militias, marking a significant departure from the localised skirmishes seen throughout 2025 [5].
Airlines Suspend Operations as Security Deteriorates
Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Ethiopia’s northernmost Tigray region following the renewed conflict between the Tigray Defence Force and Ethiopia’s federal government [5]. The suspension affects Mekelle, Axum, Shire and Humera airports in the region, which are not providing services [5]. According to information reaching news agencies, the TDF has taken control of some districts since the fighting began last Monday after government troops began retreating from disputed areas between the Tigray and Amhara regions [5]. Security sources describe the situation as deteriorating, with the fighting having triggered flight suspensions and heightened security concerns [4].
Regional Implications for Refugee Communities and Stability
The renewed violence threatens the stability that has been crucial for Ethiopian refugee communities across East Africa since the November 2022 peace accord [GPT]. The original Tigray conflict, which began in 2020, killed thousands and displaced millions before the ceasefire was reached [4]. According to the AU, the two-year conflict had left nearly a million people dead [5]. The fighting follows months of stalled implementation regarding the return of internally displaced persons to Wolkaite, another disputed area between the Amhara and Tigray regions [5]. The AU has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the full and effective implementation of the peace accord, reiterating continued support for the parties throughout the peace-building and reconciliation process [1][2][3]. The organisation remains ready to scale up facilitating dialogue, cooperation, and confidence-building between relevant parties in support of sustainable peace and stability in the Tigray region [1][2][3].