Ethiopian official promises change in Tigray after troops retake regional capital

In late October, Ethiopian federal forces captured Mekelle, the capital of Tigray province, after nearly two weeks of intense fighting that ended a ceasefire from 2022. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied rebel groups withdrew northward into the countryside following their defeats around towns such as Alamata and Kobo. Despite the capture of Mekelle, which could mark an end to conventional warfare, ongoing skirmishes continue in other parts of Tigray. Reports suggest that Eritrean troops are entering northern Tigrayan towns, raising concerns about a regional conflict involving multiple nations. Meanwhile, a former TPLF leader now advising Ethiopia’s prime minister promised “visible change” for the region following government forces’ retaking of Mekelle. Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Mekelle on October 30, marking the first service since rebels seized control in September.