Flights resume between Addis Ababa and Mekelle

Flights between Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, and Mekelle, the capital of the Tigré region, have resumed after being suspended for over two weeks. An Ethiopian Airlines flight arriving from Addis Ababa landed at Mekelle, where government officials and passengers were seen upon their arrival at the airport.

Potential increase in flight frequency

According to unconfirmed reports, approximately five flights could be operated daily between the two cities. Ethiopian Airlines may increase the frequency of flights if demand increases, indicating a possible return to normal operations in the region.

Resumption in the context of Tigré tensions

This resumption occurs amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Tigré between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict, which ended four years ago, has left lingering disputes between the federal government and Tigré’s leadership.

Opposition to the federal government continues

The Coalition of Ethiopian Popular Forces for Survival, which challenges the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, continues to oppose the federal army in Tigré. Created on September 20, the coalition includes seven armed groups, with the TPLF being the first and most prominent.

Peace agreement did not end tensions

Four years ago, the war in Tigré ended after the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement on November 3, 2022, which ceased hostilities. However, tensions between Mekelle and the federal government appear to have never fully subsided, highlighting ongoing political and security challenges in the region.