Ethiopian army battles a new rebel coalition formed by Tigrayan fighters aiming to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government amid ongoing conflict today.

The Ethiopian army confronted a fresh rebel offensive on Monday after Tigrayan fighters announced a coalition aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

Background

Since 2020, the federal government has fought the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in a conflict that displaced millions and caused widespread famine. A ceasefire in 2022 reduced large‑scale combat, but sporadic clashes continued along the northern border.

New coalition formation

Representatives of several Tigrayan groups declared the formation of a joint command structure on Saturday. The coalition pledged to coordinate attacks against Ethiopian security forces and to pursue regime change.

Within hours, rebel units launched coordinated assaults on army outposts in the Amhara region. Soldiers reported heavy gunfire and the use of mortars in villages near the town of Dessie. The Ethiopian National Defense Force responded with artillery strikes and air support.

Government response

Government spokesperson Major General Birhanu said the coalition’s actions “threaten the stability of the nation and jeopardize the peace gains made after the ceasefire.” He added that the army would “neutralize any armed group that seeks to destabilize the country.”

International reaction

Humanitarian agencies warned that renewed fighting could reverse progress on aid delivery to displaced populations. The United Nations called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to return to dialogue.

Regional leaders expressed concern that the offensive could ignite a broader civil war. Ethiopia’s neighbor, Sudan, urged “calm and restraint” to prevent the conflict from spilling across borders.

Outlook

Analysts said the coalition’s emergence raises the risk of a protracted insurgency, but they cautioned that the government’s superior firepower could limit the rebels’ advance. The situation remains fluid as both sides mobilize forces for further engagements.