Mekelle residents fear wider conflict after army seizure

Mekelle residents voiced relief and anxiety on Sunday as federal Ethiopian troops patrolled the Tigray regional capital a day after seizing it from the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front with help from an allied militia.

Internet and phone services were restored in the city for the first time since fighting resumed on September 23. Mobile payment services also returned, and residents hoped banks would reopen from Monday.

“The fact that the war is beginning to wind down quickly brings relief,” a Mekelle resident identified as Tewodros told AFP, asking not to be fully named. “On the other hand, as it is seems to be becoming regionalised, I fear it could drag on.”

The concern reflected fears that Eritrea could be drawn into the conflict. The presidents of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea met on Sunday to discuss the risk of a wider war.

A local journalist told AFP there were no widespread celebrations when Ethiopian soldiers and their paramilitary allies in the Tigray Peace Force entered Mekelle on trucks on Saturday.

Some residents went outside on Sunday to assess the situation. The Tigray Peace Force had taken positions on avenues and at key sites, including the regional presidency building and police headquarters, while federal Ethiopian soldiers guarded the university and the Tigray Martyrs Memorial Monument.

The Tigray Peace Force's Public and Military Relations Department took control of a radio station and repeatedly broadcast a call for residents to remain calm and united. The message also urged people not to take revenge against TPLF supporters or over past disputes.

Most stores stayed closed on Sunday. Several business owners had hidden their stocks from Thursday as federal forces approached. After TPLF forces left on Saturday and before the new forces arrived, looters targeted government offices and several private homes.

“The lack of security personnel raises serious concerns about safety,” Mekelle resident Abreha said. He said the conflict was dividing Tigray between areas controlled by the TPLF and those held by the pro-government Tigray Peace Force.

“There is fear that it could turn into a wider regional conflict,” Abreha said.