Ethiopia threatens to take ‘necessary steps’ against TPLF as fighting erupts near border with Tigray

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s federal government has accused the rebellious Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of starting fighting this afternoon despite peace efforts, saying the government in Addis Ababa has all legitimate rights to defend the country against what it calls a ‘terrorist’ organization.

Civil war broke out in November 2020 after elements belonging to the TPLF attacked several army bases in an attempt to ‘disarm’ after claiming that federal army was preparing to launch attack against to remove the government of Tigray from power.

The nearly two-year conflict in Africa’s second-most populous nation has displaced more than 9 million people, plunged parts of Tigray into famine conditions and killed thousands of civilians including in Amhara and Afar.

This evening, fierce fighting erupted between the federal army and Tigray rebels around the town of Kobo, residents and both sides said on Wednesday, ending a months-long ceasefire, Reuters reports.

The fighting is a major blow to hopes for peace talks between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and the TPLF.

In a statement this evening, the Government Communication Service (GCS) said the TPLF has “officially violated the ceasefire with their actions. Both their attack and the subsequent statement indicate that they were preparing for the provocation.”

It added that the federal forces “and our entire security forces are working together to defeat the terrorist attack. All of our security forces are on alert to protect the citizens’ peace and security from terrorist attacks.”

The statement urged all Ethiopians to boycott the rebellious group and threaten to take all the necessary actions – force not excluded – to impose laws and order in order to protect the Horn of Africa country against TPLF which has been designated by the parliament as a terrorist organization.

“The government of Ethiopia is calling on Ethiopians throughout the country and around the world to unite in order to repel this destructive force and neutralize the destruction attempt of this terrorist group, which has the clear goal of disintegrating Ethiopia,” the statement said.

“Recognizing that all of Ethiopia’s problems can only be solved peacefully, the government is adamant that peace is always the best solution.

“However, if the TPLF terrorist group continues its provocations, the government is obligated by law, history, and morality to take all necessary steps to protect the country. To accomplish this, the government and security forces are mobilizing all of their resources and capabilities.”