Fresh clashes in Ethiopia’s Tigray raise fears of renewed conflict

ADDIS ABABA – 29 January 2026: Fresh clashes between regional and federal forces in Ethiopia’s western Tigray have raised concerns of renewed conflict in a region still recovering from years of war.

Fighting erupted earlier this week in disputed areas of western Tigray, according to diplomatic and government sources, prompting anxiety among residents over a possible return to widespread violence.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, Ethiopian Airlines suspended all flights to the northern region, officials said.

Tigray was the epicenter of a two-year conflict between Ethiopia’s federal military and forces loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which ended in late 2022.

The war caused extensive destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis, with researchers estimating that hundreds of thousands of people died as a result of fighting, famine, and the collapse of health services.