The Tigray region of Ethiopia is facing escalating tensions after a breakaway faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) captured two major towns, prompting fears of renewed conflict. The Tigray Interim Government has urgently called for federal intervention to prevent further destabilization.

Breakaway TPLF Faction Seizes Adigrat and Adi-Gudem

On March 11, 2025, the breakaway faction seized Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest town, leading the interim government to outlaw the takeover, appoint a new governor, and dismiss senior officials loyal to the opposition. Just a day later, the faction captured Adi-Gudem, located near the regional capital, Mekele. Reports suggest several civilians were shot during an alleged attempt to seize a government building in Adi-Gudem.

Internal Conflict within TPLF Deepens

The latest developments mark a significant escalation in internal conflicts within the TPLF. Despite the 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement that ended two years of brutal warfare—resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions—the factional divide within TPLF has grown. In October 2024, the party split when leader Debretsion Gebremichael dismissed interim leader Getachew Reda and several top officials.

Reda has labeled the recent advances by the faction as a “coup attempt” and urged the international community to monitor the rapidly deteriorating situation. “The region is on the brink of another crisis,” warned the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau.

TPLF Deputy Chairman Denies Peace Deal Violation

In response, TPLF deputy chairman Amanuel Assefa rejected accusations of violating the peace deal, asserting that the actions were necessary to uphold law and order in the region.

Renewed Fears of Conflict in Tigray

The growing tensions have reignited fears of further bloodshed in Tigray, a region already scarred by years of conflict. As the situation remains volatile, international observers and humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring developments, concerned about potential humanitarian fallout.

The Path Forward

The unfolding crisis poses a significant challenge to Ethiopia’s stability. Calls for dialogue and federal intervention are intensifying, with stakeholders urging all parties to adhere to the terms of the Pretoria Peace Agreement to prevent the resurgence of violence.

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