The European Union has warned that the escalating conflict in northern Ethiopia, together with rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, could develop into a wider regional conflict with serious consequences for stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement issued on October 5, the EU said it was “alarmed” by the continued escalation of violence in Ethiopia and called for immediate de-escalation on all fronts. The EU urged all parties to avoid actions and rhetoric that could further increase tensions.
The renewed fighting began in northern Ethiopia in late September, with clashes reported between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan forces. The conflict has placed the 2022 Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement under renewed pressure.
Fighting intensifies in Tigray
The latest escalation has seen federal and allied forces advance in Tigray. International news agencies reported that government-aligned forces entered Mekelle, the regional capital, on October 4 after Tigrayan forces withdrew from the city.
Reuters subsequently reported that airstrikes and artillery exchanges were reported in northern Ethiopia, with casualties reported around Mekelle and other towns. Independent verification of battlefield developments remains difficult because communications and access in affected areas have been disrupted.
The conflict has also affected humanitarian operations. The United Nations reported that humanitarian personnel faced severe difficulties leaving Tigray, while humanitarian operations have been disrupted by insecurity and restrictions on access.
Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions raise regional concerns
The conflict is taking place against a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Eritrea announced on October 1 that it was severing diplomatic ties with Ethiopia, following escalating accusations between the two governments. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting forces opposed to the federal government, while Eritrea has denied supporting the opposition alliance.
Reports on October 7 said Eritrean troops had been seen in the northern Ethiopian town of Adigrat. The reports were based on witnesses and local sources and could not be independently verified by all parties.
The developments have increased concern that the fighting could move beyond the Tigray conflict and become a broader confrontation involving neighboring countries.
Reuters reported that the current crisis involves overlapping regional tensions involving Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt, increasing fears that instability could spread across the Horn of Africa.
EU calls for diplomacy and implementation of peace agreement
The European Union is calling on the parties to return to the framework of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed in 2022 to end the previous Tigray war.
The EU said the agreement should be fully implemented within the framework of the African Union and emphasized that disputes must be addressed through political dialogue rather than military escalation.
The EU also called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access.
The United Nations has made similar calls. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the deterioration of the situation in northern Ethiopia and urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and avoid actions that could lead to a broader conflict.
Humanitarian situation remains critical
The renewed fighting comes as Ethiopia continues to face major humanitarian needs.
On September 28, the European Commission announced €61 million in humanitarian funding for Ethiopia in 2026, citing conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and climate-related emergencies. The EU said the situation in northern Ethiopia was rapidly deteriorating and called for civilians and humanitarian workers to be protected.
The United Nations has also reported growing concerns about civilian protection, displacement and the safety of humanitarian personnel and facilities.
Regional and international pressure
The African Union has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and other countries in the region to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements that could further destabilize the Horn of Africa. The AU has also supported efforts to return the parties to dialogue.
For now, the situation remains fluid. While federal forces have regained control of Mekelle, fighting and security concerns continue in parts of northern Ethiopia. The extent to which the conflict will remain concentrated in Tigray or develop into a wider regional confrontation remains uncertain.
The European Union has said it is ready to support diplomatic efforts aimed at meaningful dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Ambassador Media will continue to monitor developments in Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.
