As violent clashes escalate and ignite fears of a broader regional conflict, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that government forces are prepared to crush a rising rebel offensive and secure strategic control.
Striking a defiant tone before parliament, Abiy promised a decisive military response. “In our region, we will have air superiority,” he declared to applause from MPs. “Our defence will be modern, innovative and at all times ready and alert for combat. Our army will take preemptive and reactive action. They will show their bravery like their forefathers.”
The warning comes as fighting between federal troops and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)—which erupted on September 23—threatens to plunge the nation back into the devastating civil war experienced from 2020 to 2022. Tensions hit a critical point on Monday after a deadly drone strike hit a displacement camp in the Tigray region, leaving multiple casualties.
Amid the mounting military force, the Prime Minister also extended an ultimatum to insurgent groups, urging them to lay down arms and integrate into legal politics.
“All those people fighting in the bushes: I kindly ask you to choose the path of peace,” Abiy urged. “I ask you to take part in the nation-building, national reconciliation process. Join opposition parties with a peaceful demonstration of alternative ideas. Learn from your past revolutionary struggle and treason shall be avoided.”
