Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The United Kingdom has issued a stark travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting all areas of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, citing renewed hostilities between local fighters and federal forces.
Rising Tensions in Tsemlet
Fresh clashes erupted in Tsemlet, western Tigray, an area claimed by forces from the neighbouring Amhara region, sparking fears of a renewed conflict. The violence underscores the fragility of peace in a region that only three years ago emerged from a devastating war between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The African Union estimates that the 2020–2022 conflict claimed at least 600,000 lives, leaving deep scars across communities and institutions.
International Concern
The renewed fighting has drawn concern from global and regional bodies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the African Union, and the European Union have all urged restraint, calling on parties to avoid escalation and prioritize dialogue.
UK Travel Advisory
In its latest advisory, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated:
“We advise against all travel to all parts of Tigray region following renewed violence.”
The warning comes just a day after two drone attacks in central Tigray killed a truck driver, according to Dimtsi Woyane television, a media outlet close to Tigrayan authorities.
Flights Suspended
Commercial flights to Tigray have been suspended since Thursday, further isolating the region as tensions mount.
Silence from Federal Army
As of press time, Ethiopia’s federal army has not responded to requests for comment on the situation, leaving uncertainty over the government’s next steps in addressing the flare-up.
Conclusion
The UK’s travel warning highlights the volatility of the Tigray region and the risk of renewed conflict. With international bodies urging restraint and flights suspended, the situation underscores the urgent need for sustained peacebuilding efforts in Ethiopia’s north.
