A Tigray official urges rebels to disarm as a commander vows to keep fighting

Rebel fighters withdrew from Mekelle in early October after government-allied forces entered the city. Ethiopia then installed a six-month caretaker administration in Tigray.

“This is not the time for settling scores. I call upon you to return to your homes and continue your civilian lives.”

— Redae Halefom Woldeselassie, Tigray caretaker administration

Hours earlier, rebel commander Lt.-Gen. Fisseha Kidanu said Tigray was still at war and urged militias to attack government-held positions. His claims of heavy losses for government forces could not be verified.

Civilian deaths in the earlier war (estimate)

500,000 civilian deaths

The fighting has effectively shattered the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement that ended the 2020–2022 war.