Mekelle Shifts Gear: Rebels Pull Out of Ethiopia’s Tigray Capital

Sun Oct 04 2026 15:25:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rebel troops have temporarily withdrawn from Mekelle as the national army edges closer, sparking concerns about civilians and a possible spill‑over into the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopian rebels have stepped back from the Tigray capital of Mekelle, citing danger to civilians as federal forces advance. The move marks a pivotal moment in a war that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and may widen regional tensions. Residents report that pro‑government troops now control the city and are restoring services such as mobile phones. The U.S. State Department urges restraint and dialogue, warning that a broader conflict could destabilise the Horn of Africa. International aid agencies fear worsening security will block relief to displaced people.

Mekelle Shifts Gear: Rebels Pull Out of Ethiopia’s Tigray Capital

Ethiopian pro-government soldier guarding a street in Mekelle

Rebel forces in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have said they have temporarily withdrawn from Mekelle, the regional capital, as fighting with the national army moves towards the city. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) says the decision was driven by concerns for civilian safety.

One resident reported that pro‑government forces now control the city and that services such as the mobile phone network have started to resume in parts. This shift signals a major change in the conflict that has already caused massive humanitarian disruption.

The fighting that erupted after a 2022 peace deal has intensified in recent weeks, with the TPLF aligning with other armed groups to challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. Analysts warn the conflict could destabilise the Horn of Africa, potentially drawing in neighbours like Eritrea and Egypt.

The U.S. Department of State called for restraint and dialogue on all sides, while the United Nations urges safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Humanitarian workers fear that the deteriorating security will block aid to people still in need.