Ethiopia: Advances in Tigray revive fears of conflict with Eritrea

Ethiopian federal forces have retaken Mekele and advanced to Adigrat, near the Eritrean border, after the TPLF withdrew. Magnus Taylor of the International Crisis Group warns that the advance brings the Ethiopian and Eritrean armies closer and could trigger a confrontation, while the loss of the cities does not mean the war is over. He says the TPLF could regroup in rural and mountainous areas, where a prolonged guerrilla conflict could worsen destruction and the humanitarian crisis. Taylor urges Abiy Ahmed’s government to restore aid, federal funding, and supplies of fuel, medicine, and cash to build trust among Tigray’s population.