Ethiopia controls Tigray capital as regional rivals meet in Egypt
Ethiopian federal forces have taken control of Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, as regional leaders meet in Egypt to discuss the escalating conflict. The situation remains tense as neighboring nations express concern over the potential for a wider regional war.
Why it matters
The resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia threatens regional stability in the Horn of Africa and risks a humanitarian crisis.
Ethiopian federal forces were in full control of the Tigray rebels' regional capital , a local journalist said on Sunday (October 4, 2026), while Ethiopia's regional rivals gathered in Egypt to discuss the risk of a wider war.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and federal forces began fighting again on September 23, sparking fears of a return to the devastating civil war of 2020-2022.
The presidents of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea — all of whom have difficult relations with Ethiopia — were set to meet in the Egyptian city of Alamein on Sunday (October 4) to discuss the conflict.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of directly backing the Tigray rebels, with the added support of Sudan and Egypt, which all three countries deny.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Ethiopia's Tigray rebels abandon regional capital as govt advances: journalist
Ethiopian gov’t forces advance in Tigray as rebels retreat: What to know
Egypt to host Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia leaders as Ethiopia conflict fuels regional tensions
Ethiopian rebel forces withdraw from Tigray regional capital
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