Ethiopian police ask residents in Tigray regional capital to help restore order after rebel pullout

Federal police deployed across Mekelle, Tigray’s regional capital, following the withdrawal of anti-government forces on Friday. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and six other opposition groups had formed an alliance to overthrow Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last month. However, the TPLF announced its withdrawal over the weekend, similar to previous withdrawals in the two-year conflict that concluded with a peace agreement in 2022.

The TPLF, along with Tigray Peace Force, imposed an overnight curfew on Wednesday. Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle earlier this week, reclaiming the city and its airport, which had been under rebel control. As of Friday morning, no new administration had taken office, with local government offices still closed and security in the hands of police and the Tigray Peace Force.

Reports surfaced that Eritrean troops had entered Ethiopia, raising concerns of a broader conflict. While the Associated Press could not independently verify these claims, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel denied any involvement, accusing Ethiopia of threatening regional peace.