War Returns to Ethiopia's Tigray Region Amidst Internet Restrictions

Conflict has reignited in Ethiopia's Tigray region, marking a significant escalation since the 2020-2022 civil war. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has declared itself in "full-blown war" with the federal government, following months of increasing tensions and low-level clashes that resumed in 2025. This recent surge in hostilities comes after the TPLF joined a seven-group "Alliance for Survival" on September 20, 2026, reportedly aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration.

Adding to the escalating crisis, internet and phone services have been largely disrupted across Tigray since September 25, 2026. While state-owned Ethio telecom services are mostly cut off, private operator Safaricom has limited connectivity in some areas. Reports suggest the TPLF ordered the communications blackout, possibly as a tactic to neutralize the federal military's drone advantage by hindering its access to mobile networks for guiding strikes.

The return to large-scale fighting and the communication shutdown have raised severe concerns about a repeat of the dire humanitarian conditions experienced during the previous conflict, including food, cash, and medicine shortages that led to famine-like circumstances. Residents are reportedly stockpiling essential supplies amidst the renewed violence, and there are growing fears that the conflict could destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region.