Brief

Ethiopia Blames Eritrea and Sudan for Supporting Tigray Rebels

The Ethiopian army claims external support for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front as fighting spreads beyond Tigray into Afar and Amhara.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 05:38:21 GMT

On Sunday, Ethiopia’s army chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula accused Eritrea and Sudan of backing armed groups fighting federal forces in the north, according to a statement posted on the army’s YouTube channel. The accusation comes as clashes between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government have resumed since Wednesday, raising fears of a return to the 2020‑2022 civil war that killed an estimated 600,000 people.

The TPLF has seized airports and launched attacks into the neighbouring states of Afar and Amhara, describing its actions as a “defensive war” against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. A humanitarian source reported that the Afar town of Erebti, near the Tigray border, fell to the rebels after heavy artillery bombardment. The TPLF is now advancing toward Afdeera, some 100 kilometres east of Erebti, with at least 150,000 people displaced in Afar, though precise numbers are unclear.

Field Marshal Jula said: “We are fighting forces that are organised and allied to serve the interests of external forces. Neither Shaebia (Eritrea) nor the TPLF can achieve anything alone, even if they are allied, unless they are backed, supported and supplied by Sudan, Egypt and other external powers.”

The TPLF has allied with seven armed groups across the country, mirroring tactics from the last war by pushing south through Amhara toward Addis Ababa. Its offensive in Afar aims to cut supplies from Djibouti, which handles most of Ethiopia’s international trade cargo, including fuel. The headquarters of Tigrai TV, a key outlet for the rebel authorities in Mekelle, was hit by a drone on Sunday. A journalist from the station told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity, that they fled the building after a loud bang from a drone strike. No casualties were reported.

Earlier this month, Ethiopia’s army pledged restraint amid rising tensions, while accusing Eritrea of funding rebel groups. The conflict now extends beyond Tigray into Afar and Amhara, threatening the 2022 Pretoria Agreement and raising concerns of a broader regional war. International bodies have urged restraint and a return to the peace agreement, while the United Nations and IGAD call for dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Key facts

Ethiopia’s army chief accused Eritrea and Sudan of backing Tigray rebels (france24.com)
Fighting resumed between the TPLF and federal forces since Wednesday (france24.com)
The TPLF seized airports and attacked Afar and Amhara (france24.com)
The Afar town of Erebti fell to rebels after heavy artillery (france24.com)
Tigrai TV headquarters was hit by a drone strike on Sunday (france24.com)

Background

The conflict has broadened from Tigray to neighbouring regions, with a new rebel alliance forming to oppose the federal government. The situation remains fluid, with potential for a national civil war and increased displacement.