08/21/2026
Update on the Escalating Situation in Tigray
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The Government of Tigray has repeatedly warned that the situation on the ground is rapidly deteriorating as a result of the irresponsible and increasingly belligerent conduct of the Prosperity Party-led Federal Government. While the Government of Tigray has consistently called for dialogue as the only viable path toward peace and stability in Ethiopia and the wider region, these appeals have regrettably gone unanswered. Instead, the Federal Government continues to manufacture tensions and conflicts across the country, apparently regarding war and destruction as instruments of political survival.
As previously reported, after publicly declaring the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) moribund, the Federal Government intensified its military provocations against Tigray. In addition to deploying substantial military forces and weaponry around Tigray, it has undertaken repeated actions seemingly intended to provoke another devastating war. Following its stated unwillingness to implement the Pretoria Agreement, the Federal Government conducted drone strikes earlier this year in Raya, Enticho, and Sheraro, killing civilians and destroying property. Persistent drone surveillance has continued, inflicting severe psychological trauma and anxiety upon the population. This suffering has been compounded by the continuing economic blockade and siege imposed on Tigray.
Despite these provocations, the Government of Tigray deliberately refrained from responding in kind. We continued to exercise restraint and appealed to the international community to facilitate dialogue and deter further unjustified military action. Nevertheless, on August 1, 2026, federal forces attacked Tigray’s security forces at Shererina in Western Tigray. The apparent intention was to trigger a full-scale confrontation, but the attack was repelled. Even then, guided by our strategic commitment to peace and regional stability, we exercised restraint and avoided actions that could further aggravate the situation.
The Federal Government has since intensified its military operations:
• On August 10, drone strikes were conducted at school premises in Merewa District, Southern Tigray, killing and wounding civilians.
• This was followed by drone strikes and sustained artillery bombardment against Mariam Kubi village in Waja Timuga District, causing further deaths and extensive property damage.
• On August 18, drone strikes and warplane bombardments aligned air plane transportation targeted Dandera, a village in the vicinity of Mekelle.
• Most recently, warplane bombardments targeted civilian residences in the Momona neighbourhood of Hawelti Sub-City, Mekelle—particularly housing occupied by teachers. At least 13 people, including children, were wounded, and residential property sustained extensive damage.
Beyond the deaths, injuries, and destruction of property, these attacks have created widespread fear and uncertainty. Their timing has also deliberately disrupted the celebration of Ashenda—a cherished cultural festival for girls and women and one of the most important expressions of Tigrayan identity and heritage.
The Government and people of Tigray have demonstrated extraordinary restraint in the face of repeated and unwarranted provocations. We remain firmly committed to resolving political differences through peaceful dialogue. However, restraint must not be mistaken for weakness or an inability to defend our people. Tigray possesses both the capacity and the determination to protect its population and territory.
The Government of Tigray therefore calls upon the wider international community to break their silence, unequivocally condemn these unprovoked attacks, and take urgent diplomatic action to prevent further escalation. Continued silence risks being interpreted as acquiescence and may embolden further aggression.
Our commitment to peace remains unwavering, but patience cannot be limitless. As the saying reminds us: “Patience is a virtue, but even patience has its limits.” The time for decisive international engagement is now, before the situation descends into another catastrophic war.
Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau
21 Auguest 2026
Mekelle
