Ethiopia: Flights from capital to Tigray cancelled as tenions mount

Passenger flights between Ethiopia's capital and northern Tigray region cities have been suspended. Ethiopian Airlines cited 'unplanned circumstances' as the reason for the cancellations. No official statement has been released by the airline to elaborate on this decision.

This development occurs amidst escalating tensions over disputed territories, which threaten the stability of a peace agreement established four years ago. The situation is further complicated by upcoming elections, scheduled for this summer.

Reports indicate ongoing clashes between federal forces and Tigray fighters in western Tigray, along with new military activities in southern Tigray. The region remains contentious, although the government has expressed intentions to address the issue through a referendum.

During the previous conflict, approximately one million individuals were displaced and currently reside in temporary camps. The feasibility of their participation in the upcoming referendum remains uncertain.

An African Union official estimated that around 600,000 lives were lost during the Tigray conflict.

Based on reporting by Africanews.