Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia effectively shatters peace deal that ended 2022 war

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the belligerent factions in Ethiopia to show restraint and swiftly reduce tensions following a resurgence of fighting in the northern Tigray region on September 23, 2026. This latest development has sparked apprehensions about the potential for a wider conflict in the area.

Speaking through Stéphane Dujarric, the UN Chief's Spokesman, Guterres expressed deep concern over the situation's rapid deterioration, citing reports that Tigrayan forces had taken control of airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire. He also expressed worry over the intensifying combat in and around Tigray, as well as the spillover into neighboring territories.

"The Secretary-General urges all parties to demonstrate maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, safeguard civilians, ensure unobstructed access for humanitarian personnel to deliver aid to those in need, and refrain from actions that could ignite a more expansive and destructive conflict," read the statement. Guterres reiterated his backing for the African Union's initiatives, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo's involvement.

He appealed for the parties to engage in negotiations in good faith under the Pretoria Agreement framework, which ended the 2020–2022 conflict in Tigray.