Ethiopia: New Rebel Alliance Reignites the Struggle Over the Red Sea

Addis Ababa - The rebel coalition announced a few days ago has gone on the offensive, and one of its main components, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), has captured Mekelle airport.

On September 20, seven Ethiopian armed groups--including historic enemies who fought on opposing sides during the 2020-2022 civil war--announced the formation of an alliance aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. The Ethiopian People's Forces Alliance for Survival brings together a diverse coalition of groups from different parts of the country: from Tigray in the north to the Fano militias in Amhara, the Oromo Liberation Army and other armed groups. Some of these formations have fought one another in the past, but for the time being they have set aside their differences to unite against the central government.