Tigray Political Parties Forum Urges International Action to Prevent Renewed War

Mekelle, March 7, 2026 — The Tigray Political Parties Forum (TPPF) has issued an urgent appeal to the international community, warning of renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia and calling for the immediate lifting of blockades imposed on the region.

The statement, addressed to the governments of Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, member states of the European Union, and institutions including the United Nations, African Union, and European Union, accused the Ethiopian government of failing to implement key provisions of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) signed more than forty months ago.

According to the forum, more than 1.2 million Tigrayans remain displaced in makeshift shelters and refugee camps in Sudan, lacking adequate access to food, healthcare, education, and protection. The group further stated that Tigray has been denied over 40 percent of its constitutionally recognized territory and that the federal government has reinstated restrictions reminiscent of the 2020–2022 war.

The forum — composed of four political parties: the National Congress of Great Tigray, Asimba Democratic Party, Aksumite Congress, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) — highlighted the suspension of Tigray’s budget since October 2025, leaving teachers, medical staff, and other public servants without salaries. It also noted that banks have run out of cash, fuel supplies have been cut off since January 2026, and trade and transport have been severely restricted.

More concerning, the forum warned, is the Ethiopian government’s military buildup around Tigray, which it described as preparations for “another round of genocidal war.” Such actions, it said, directly contravene the COHA and risk destabilizing Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.

The TPPF called on the international community to:

➨ Pressure the Ethiopian government to de-escalate tensions by withdrawing military forces encircling Tigray.

➨ Demand the lifting of all blockades and restrictions, including on budgets, banking services, fuel, essential commodities, trade, and transport.

➨ Support dialogue between the Tigray and Ethiopian governments.

➨ Facilitate the secure and dignified return of displaced Tigrayans to their homes.

➨Ensure the restoration of Tigray’s constitutionally recognized territories to their pre-2020 status.

➨ Accelerate the implementation of other provisions of the COHA.

The forum concluded by stressing that failure to act could lead to catastrophic consequences not only for Tigray but for Ethiopia and the broader region.

Meanwhile, the Tigray Regional Health Bureau announced in a statement issued yesterday that the federal government has completely stopped the supply of medicines to Tigray.

Speaking at a press conference in Mekelle, Dr. Amanuel Haile, head of the bureau under the interim administration, said the suspension began in January. He appealed to federal institutions and international donor organizations to intervene, describing the measure as “mass punishment” that endangers the health of the entire community.

Dr. Amanuel noted that while medicine supplies had been irregular until December, they were entirely cut off in January and February. He further recalled that earlier restrictions on fuel and subsidy budgets had already placed severe strain on the health sector. He warned that the complete cessation of medical supplies could trigger a serious social crisis if urgent solutions are not found.