Life in Ethiopia’s Tigray region is gradually returning to normal after federal forces regained control of Mekelle, the regional capital, following renewed fighting.
Residents have begun returning to work, while commercial flights to the northern city resumed on Sunday, October 11.
The reopening of Mekelle airport follows two weeks of disruption after Tigray fighters seized the city in late September.
Although daily activities are resuming, tensions between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea continue to raise concerns about regional stability.
Mekelle residents welcome return to normal life
Residents of Mekelle say the security situation has improved following the return of federal forces.
Businesses are reopening, and people are beginning to resume their daily routines.
According to Africanews and AFP, residents have expressed hope that the latest developments will bring lasting stability.
Haile Mariam Hadgu, a Mekelle resident, said people were pleased to return to their jobs.
He also expressed hope that peace would continue to improve so families could work, live safely and build their futures.
For many residents, the resumption of ordinary activities represents an important step after weeks of uncertainty.
However, the situation remains fragile as political and security tensions continue.
Flights resume to Ethiopia’s Tigray capital
Commercial flights to Mekelle resumed on Sunday after a two-week suspension.
The airport had closed following the seizure of the city by Tigray fighters at the end of September.
Federal forces subsequently regained control of Mekelle, allowing air services to restart.
Passengers have since begun arriving at the airport.
The resumption of flights is an important development for regional transport and connectivity.
Air services provide links between Mekelle and other parts of Ethiopia, supporting travel, business and access to essential services.
Nevertheless, the reopening of the airport does not necessarily mean that security concerns across the wider region have been resolved.
Renewed fighting raises concerns over Tigray peace
The recent fighting has revived concerns about the future of peace in northern Ethiopia.
Tigray experienced a devastating conflict between 2020 and 2022.
The war caused widespread destruction, displacement and severe humanitarian suffering.
A peace agreement signed in November 2022 brought an end to major hostilities.
However, political disagreements and unresolved security issues have continued to affect the region.
The latest developments have raised fears that further confrontation could undermine the progress achieved since the agreement.
For residents, maintaining stability remains essential to rebuilding livelihoods and restoring public services.
Ethiopia and Eritrea tensions continue to rise
While the situation in Mekelle has improved, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain strained.
Ethiopian authorities have accused Eritrea of supporting Tigray fighters and sending troops across the border.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
Eritrea has condemned what it described as an Ethiopian declaration of war, without directly addressing the allegations in the statement cited by the report.
The exchange has increased concerns about possible further escalation between the neighbouring countries.
Ethiopia and Eritrea have a complicated history, including previous military confrontations and periods of diplomatic cooperation.
Any renewed conflict could have serious consequences for communities along their shared border.
Residents hope for lasting peace in Tigray
For people living in Mekelle, the immediate priority is restoring stability and rebuilding everyday life.
The return of flights and business activities offers signs of improvement following the recent disruption.
However, lasting recovery will require more than the restoration of transport and commercial services.
Communities also need reliable healthcare, education, security and economic opportunities.
Continued political dialogue will be important in preventing further violence.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain a significant concern.
The coming weeks could prove important for determining whether the current calm in Mekelle develops into lasting stability.
For now, residents are welcoming the opportunity to return to work and resume their daily lives while hoping that peace can be maintained.