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The Ethiopian government launched a military offensive against the TPLF in Tigray on 4 November. There have been reports of continued fighting and attacks across Tigray, and almost 50,000 refugees have fled across the border to Sudan. The increasing numbers of refugees, the failure of supplies being able to arrive in the area and one of the worst locust plagues for years are having serious consequences. The United Nations says the situation is developing into a 鈥渇ull scale humanitarian crisis鈥�.

There are also concerns on the impact of the conflict on neighbouring countries. Ethiopia plays a significant role in the Horn of Africa in terms of peace and security and is one of largest contributors to UN peace keeping forces. There are reports it has already withdrawn some of its forces and a fear that as the situation becomes more volatile, countries like Somalia will be affected.

Ahmed Soliman, a research fellow with the Africa Programme at Chatham House, explains the devastating impact the situation is already having on the area and the danger that the conflict could affect neighbouring countries and stability in the area.

Photo: Members of Amhara region militias head to face the TPLF near a border with Tigray, Ethiopia, November 2020 Credit: Reuters