Understanding the 2020-2021 Tigray Conflict in Ethiopia : Background, Root Causes, and Consequences

The military offensive unleashed on 4 November, 2020 by the central government in Addis Ababa against regional state of Tigray is culmination escalating tensions between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, power since 2018, and People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Ethiopian federal troops, supported forces Amhara Eritrean army, quickly occupied main towns late November 2020, but Tigrayan retained control large areas, particularly mountainous regions, where fighting continued. An launched June 2021 resulted recapture towns, including Tigray’s capital Mekelle, leading to declare a unilateral ceasefire. There are numerous testimonies major abuses killings civilians clerics occupying forces, as well looting key infrastructure, humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian aid has been hampered continued access restrictions. ceasefire raised hopes that massive can finally be delivered, statements made Ahmed 2021, denying existence famine accusing organizations supporting rebels, raise fears government’s strategy may maintain blockade Tigray, further exacerbating an already catastrophic situation. In addition analysing immediate causes consequences, this study also shows conflict its roots long history country composed more than 80 ethnic groups.