Thousands of individuals took to the streets in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region to voice their demands for the repatriation of people displaced by the two-year war and the withdrawal of external forces that have remained in the area since the conflict’s conclusion.
The war, which resulted in significant casualties and forced millions from their homes, involved government troops, allies from neighboring Eritrea and the Amhara region, and Tigrayan forces. While a truce was reached in November, tensions persist as security forces and militiamen from the Amhara region continue to occupy disputed land.
Humanitarian workers report that Eritrean troops remain in Ethiopian territory in various border towns, although the Eritrean government has refrained from commenting on the matter. Peaceful demonstrations took place in major cities, including Mekelle, Adigrat, and Shire, with protesters displaying signs advocating for the departure of what they perceived as occupying forces, estimates suggest that approximately 3,500 to 4,000 individuals participated in the protest held in Mekelle.
Although progress has been made in implementing key provisions of the peace deal, such as the disarmament of Tigray forces, the establishment of an interim government, and the restoration of basic services, the presence of external military forces continues to be a concern for Tigrayan authorities.
Recent reports indicate that Eritrean forces obstructed a monitoring team from assessing the peace deal’s implementation. Requests for comment from Eritrea, Ethiopia’s government, and the regional administration of Amhara went unanswered at the time of reporting.