On June 28, Ethiopia’s federal government declared a ceasefire in Tigray.
Mekelle, the capital of the restive region, sprang to life as thousands flooded the streets chanting and dancing, many draped in Tigrayan flags.
The announcement was supposed to end eight months of war, in which at least 7,500 people were killed.
Hundreds of thousands more have been forced to flee their homes in the fighting between government troops, their allies and Tigrayan rebels.
Ethiopia called on the rebels to adhere to a unilateral ceasefire, saying it “needs two to tango”. But the Tigrayan rebel spokesman, Getachew Reda, said the offer was a “joke” and declared they would not stop fighting until all federal troops were removed from the region.
The International Rescue Committee confirmed the destruction of a critical bridge allowing aid into Tigray, intensifying concern about relief supplies reaching those in dire need. The US estimates that 900,000 civilians are “likely already experiencing famine conditions”.
Addis Ababa said two major aims for what it calls the “law enforcement operation” in Tigray had been achieved: freeing federal soldiers detained by the rebels and weakening the rebels’ military capabilities.
Analysts and diplomats, however, say the rebels now appear to control most of Tigray and have benefited from a deep well of popular support in the region.
On this week’s Beyond the Headlines, Taylor Heyman looks at whether a lasting peace is possible in Tigray.
