Ethiopian government forces and allied fighters have regained control of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front announced its withdrawal from the city.
The development marks another change of control in a region where renewed fighting has disrupted recovery from the war that ended with a peace agreement in 2022. It does not establish that the wider conflict has ended.
What is known about the withdrawal
The pro-government Tigray Peace Forces said its fighters controlled Mekelle. A source close to the militia told Reuters that they entered the city centre on Saturday 3 October, followed by Ethiopian military personnel.
Reuters separately obtained confirmation from a humanitarian source and a resident. The TPLF said its regional administration would temporarily operate elsewhere.
The Associated Press reported that a local business owner, Filmon Equar Hailu, witnessed departing TPLF-allied fighters and the looting of government offices, police facilities, and shops. His account describes conditions he observed; it is not a comprehensive assessment of security across the city.
Hospitals face renewed pressure
Humanitarian organisations have documented the effects of the fighting beyond Mekelle.
In a statement published on 28 September, Médecins Sans Frontières said more than 300 war-wounded patients had arrived at Suhul hospital in Shire by 25 September.
It also reported that the number received at hospitals in Korem and Alamata rose from around 180 to more than 420 between 22 and 25 September.
These are hospital figures from specified locations and dates, rather than a total casualty count for the conflict.
MSF said it had suspended activities at Alamata hospital and some outreach work because of insecurity, while redirecting staff to support hospitals receiving wounded patients.
Evacuations underline the risks.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said it transported 161 people from Mekelle to Semera, in neighbouring Afar, on 28 September.
Those evacuated included federal police personnel and relatives, airline staff and family members, civil aviation security personnel, African Union monitors, and Ethiopian Red Cross Society members.
The operation took place with the approval of the authorities concerned. It illustrates the need for negotiated humanitarian access, as fighting affects movement and essential services.
Trivane View
Control of a regional capital is a significant military development, but civilian recovery depends on more than who holds the city. Safe access to hospitals, reliable supplies, and protection from further fighting will determine whether daily life can begin to stabilise.
