Ethiopian troops reclaim Mekelle airport as Tigray leaders retreat

Ethiopian federal forces have reclaimed Mekelle's airport and taken control of other key areas in the Tigray regional capital following the withdrawal of fighters supporting the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), signaling a major development in the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia. This advance granted federal troops access to a vital transport hub serving Mekelle, as Tigrayan forces retreated from surrounding positions.

The location and condition of senior TPLF figures remained uncertain, while communication challenges and restricted access made it difficult to independently verify the situation across the regional capital. Federal authorities announced the secure airport and expanded presence in Mekelle, while Tigrayan leaders claimed a strategic withdrawal, though the nature of their retreat was uncertain.

The development raises questions about the control of Tigray and the stability of the peace framework established after the 2020-22 conflict. The Pretoria agreement, signed in November 2022, ended large-scale hostilities that had killed thousands, displaced millions, and left northern Ethiopia reliant on humanitarian aid. Mekelle's political and administrative significance makes its airport crucial for logistics and potential future operations.

The latest fighting comes after months of escalating tensions between Addis Ababa and factions within the TPLF, stemming from disagreements over the implementation of the Pretoria accord and unresolved issues regarding territorial control and regional security. The renewed conflict threatens to hinder the implementation of the peace deal, which includes disarmament of Tigrayan combatants and the restoration of federal authority, along with the establishment of an interim regional administration.

Federal officials argued that the agreement required constitutional authority to be applied uniformly across Ethiopia, while Tigrayan representatives accused Addis Ababa of failing to meet its commitments. The African Union, which mediated the Pretoria negotiations, has encouraged the parties to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and maintain the cessation of hostilities.

The possibility of sustained fighting for Mekelle could further strain the diplomatic framework and prompt stronger regional and international efforts to avert a return to widespread warfare. The humanitarian situation in Tigray remains a major concern, as the population faced severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and essential services during the previous conflict, with limited access to banking and telecommunications during that period.

While access improved after the 2022 peace deal, recovery efforts have been incomplete in many communities. The airport's value extends beyond its military importance, as air connectivity played a role in civilian travel and humanitarian operations. Disruptions to these services could impact civilian travel and aid logistics, depending on the duration and extent of military control and security measures.