Ethiopian Military Takes Over Alamata amid Tigray Amhara Clashes

Ethiopian military today took over most part of Raya Alamata amid Tigray Amhara clashes which kicked off around 3 weeks ago.

Raya Alamata, Korem, Ofla have been disputed territories between the Tigray and Amhara regions. Welkait, Humera, Tsegede and Tselemti are also contested by both regions. While Tigray was in control of all these places before the start of war in November 2020, Amhara forces aided by Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) took control of all these areas. The war came to an end in November 2022. Since then Tigray has been demanding restoration of its borders.

Last year, Ethiopian federal government proposed a 4-stage solution to break the deadlock between Tigray and Amhara regions. The solution included returns of IDPs, disarmament of Amhara militias, election of new administration and holding of referendum to determine the future status of these disputed areas.

Tigray leaders rejected the proposal of referendum. But they have been urging the federal government to ensure the safe return of IDPs. Tigray is hosting around 1 million IDPs displaced from the disputed territories during war.

Around 3 weeks ago, Tigray launched militias into Raya Alamata. The Tigray militia members captured some kebeles near Berteklaye. Amhara residents of the area took to the streets protesting against the movement of Tigray fighters. Ethiopian military tried to calm down the situation, preventing a direction clash between Tigray and Amhara fighters.

On Saturday and Sunday, Tigrayan IDPs marched from Mehoni and Maychew towards Raya Alamata. The march was followed by eruption of armed clashes between Tigray and Amhara militia members in Tao, Berteklaye, Gerjale and Shisham.

Today, Tigray fighters started advancing from Gerjale towards Alamata city. Reportedly Amhara militia members and Amhara provisional government members fled Alamata towards Kobo in the North Wollo zone of the Amhara region.

Ethiopian military is patrolling in Alamata city now. Some Tigray fighters have also managed to enter the city. It seems that Ethiopian military backed the movement of Tigray fighters into Raya Alamata.

Reports are coming in from some areas in and around Alamata city about clashes between ENDF and Amhara forces, Amhara and Tigray fighters. While overall situation remain fluid, it seems ENDF will facilitate the return of Tigrayan IDPs from Mehoni and Maychew into Raya Alamata in coming hours.Meanwhile some Amhara residents have been seen loading their belongings in vehicles and fleeing Raya Alamata towards Kobo.

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