Ethiopia descends back into conflict as Tigrayan forces declare a full-scale war against the national army

Al Jazeera•Published: Sep 25, 2026 01:04 AM IST

Ethiopia has plunged back into violent conflict as Tigrayan forces announced they are engaged in a full-blown war against the national military. The sudden escalation marks a devastating collapse of the fragile truce that had briefly paused the country's brutal two-year civil war.

Tigrayan authorities accused the federal government of launching a massive offensive across multiple fronts.
The Ethiopian government maintains that Tigrayan forces initiated the hostilities by violating the ceasefire agreement.
International aid agencies are warning of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis as supply routes remain blocked.
Both sides have mobilized significant military assets, signaling a return to large-scale combat operations.

The Context & Background

This renewed fighting follows a period of uneasy calm that failed to resolve deep-seated political grievances between the regional leadership and the federal government. Previous attempts at peace talks have repeatedly stalled, leaving the nation trapped in a cycle of instability and ethnic tension.

Why it matters:The conflict threatens to destabilize the entire Horn of Africa, potentially triggering a massive refugee crisis and disrupting regional trade. For ordinary citizens, the return to war means a renewed threat of famine, displacement, and the total collapse of essential public services in the affected regions.

Enjoyed this 2-minute breakdown?

Share it with your colleagues and friends!