The United Nations has issued an urgent plea for restraint in northern Ethiopia. The region currently teeters on the edge of a new humanitarian catastrophe.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for immediate de-escalation. He addressed both the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments, citing a “highly volatile” atmosphere in war-weary Tigray.
A Fragile Peace Under Fire
Recent hostilities have shattered the calm established by the 2022 peace accord. Clashes between the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) and the Tigray Security Forces (TSF) are rising. UN Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani noted that this violence threatens years of recovery efforts.
“Parties must make concerted efforts to de-escalate before it is too late,” Shamdasani warned. “We need political dialogue and confidence-building measures, not more armed conflict.”
The January Flare-up: Drones and Heavy Weaponry
The crisis intensified on January 26, 2026. Heavy fighting erupted in northwestern districts like Tselemti and Laelay Tselemti. These areas sit near the Amhara border. Reports indicate a dangerous mix of modern warfare and arbitrary arrests.
- Advanced Weaponry: Both sides reportedly used drones and heavy artillery. This raises fears of indiscriminate strikes on civilians.
- Arbitrary Arrests: The UN is tracking mass detentions by federal (ENDF) and regional (TSF) forces. Many arrests appear based on perceived political ties.
- Strategic Maneuvers: The TSF withdrew from Tselemti on February 1, 2026. However, this move has not silenced the drums of war.
Ethiopia-Eritrea Tensions
A diplomatic standoff between Addis Ababa and Asmara further complicates the crisis. Ethiopia recently accused Eritrea of a massacre within Tigray. Consequently, Ethiopia demanded that Eritrean military forces exit its territory immediately.
High Commissioner Türk expressed deep concern over these cross-border tensions. He warned that they could ignite a larger conflict across the Horn of Africa. This would worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.
The Human Cost: A Region Displaced
Ongoing friction adds to the pain of a population scarred by the 2020–2022 war. The statistics remain grim:
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Internal Displacement: Over one million civilians are still uprooted from their homes.
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Internal Rivalries: In southern Tigray, the TSF is clashing with a rival faction called the “Tigray Peace Forces.” This creates more instability near the Afar border.
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Accountability Gap: Death toll estimates vary. However, the UN is calling for prompt, independent investigations into all alleged abuses.
Conclusion: Choosing Dialogue Over War
The UN’s message is clear: military force is not a lasting solution. The High Commissioner is urging all parties to choose negotiation over violence. This step is vital to prevent a return to full-scale war. It is the only way to protect the fragile progress made since 2022.
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