Residents rushed to banks to withdraw cash, but many branches and ATMs in Mekelle, Tigray’s capital, were empty.
EEthiopian Airlines on Thursday suspended all flights to Tigray amid renewed clashes between federal troops and Tigrayan forces, sparking fears of a return to conflict in the northern region.
Residents rushed to banks to withdraw cash, but many branches and ATMs in Mekelle, Tigray’s capital, were empty.
The region remains scarred from the Tigray war, which raged from 2020 to 2022, killing over half a million people and displacing millions.
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A peace pact signed in November 2022 ended large-scale hostilities, but tensions over western Tigray and delayed disarmament of Tigrayan forces have persisted.
Recent fighting erupted in Tsemlet, a disputed area claimed by neighbouring Amhara forces, according to security and diplomatic sources.
“The situation appears to be deteriorating,” said one official on condition of anonymity.
As uncertainty grows, residents face not only the threat of violence but also severe disruptions to daily life and financial access.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.
