Rebel forces in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have vowed to continue fighting despite losing control of the regional capital, Mekelle, earlier this month.
The announcement came as Tigray’s new federally backed administration urged fighters to surrender their weapons and return to civilian life.
The opposing statements on Friday highlighted the deep divisions that remain after government-allied forces took control of Mekelle in early October.
Meanwhile, continued fighting has raised concerns about civilian safety and the future of peace efforts in the region.
Tigray rebels reject calls to disarm
Lieutenant General Fisseha Kidanu, identified as a commander of Tigrayan rebel forces, called for continued resistance on Thursday.
Speaking through Tigray Broadcast Media, a new rebel television station, Fisseha said his forces would attempt to reverse recent military setbacks.
He urged local militias and volunteers to join the fighting against government-backed forces.
The commander also acknowledged that opposing forces had advantages in drones and heavy weapons.
However, he insisted that the conflict was not over.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has also claimed to have inflicted significant losses on government forces.
The Associated Press said it could not independently verify those claims.
Ethiopian-backed administration urges fighters to surrender
Redae Halefom Woldeselassie, a senior official in Tigray’s new caretaker administration, called on rebel fighters to lay down their weapons.
Speaking in Mekelle on Friday, Redae urged them to return home rather than continue the conflict.
He argued that further fighting would only prolong suffering in the region.
Redae also dismissed the possibility of rebel forces retaking Mekelle.
According to the official, Ethiopian troops and allied forces are conducting joint security operations across the city.
These operations include efforts to prevent looting and maintain public order.
He also said authorities were preparing to help displaced residents return to their homes.
However, he did not provide a timetable for their return.
Government forces consolidate control of Mekelle
Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle in early October after clashes with TPLF forces.
The rebels subsequently withdrew from the regional capital.
Following the takeover, Ethiopia’s federal government established a six-month caretaker administration.
The new authorities have promised to restore public services, support displaced communities and prepare for elections.
The government is also working with the Tigray Peace Force, a group that includes former members of the TPLF’s armed wing.
The involvement of former rebel fighters on the government’s side has added another layer of complexity to the conflict.
Despite the change in control, security concerns remain.
Civilians face renewed violence in Tigray
Residents of Mekelle have reported further violence since government-backed forces entered the city.
On Tuesday, residents said a drone strike killed four people and injured six others.
According to the accounts, the victims were loading goats onto a truck when the strike occurred.
However, the reported casualties could not be independently verified.
The incident has increased concerns about civilian safety as fighting continues in parts of Tigray.
Meanwhile, both sides have accused their opponents of actions that threaten the region’s stability.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused the TPLF of forcibly recruiting young people during an interview with Ethiopian state media on Monday.
He also criticised the group for failing to disarm under the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.
The TPLF has continued to resist the federal government’s military operations.
Renewed conflict threatens Ethiopia’s peace agreement
The latest fighting has placed the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement under severe strain.
The agreement ended a devastating two-year war between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan fighters.
That conflict caused widespread destruction, displacement and a humanitarian crisis.
Researchers at Belgium’s Ghent University estimated that around 500,000 civilians died during the war.
Their estimate includes deaths linked to violence, hunger and the collapse of healthcare services.
The renewed clashes have raised fears that Tigray could face another prolonged period of instability.
For now, the federal government and its allies control Mekelle, while rebel commanders continue to call for resistance.
The competing positions leave the future of peace efforts uncertain as civilians face the consequences of renewed fighting.