The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on Saturday called for an African Union-led dialogue to resolve “outstanding issues” with the Ethiopian government, as the European Union warned of “military confrontations and clashes” in the country’s north.
In a letter addressed to African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael said the group remains committed to the Pretoria Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA). The TPLF stated that dialogue is the “only viable and sustainable pathway” to resolve tensions with the Federal Government of Ethiopia and expressed readiness to engage with the AU High-Level Panel on Ethiopia.
The appeal for diplomatic intervention follows a statement from the Lead spokesperson for the European Union’s foreign affairs and security policy, who expressed “great concern” over recent developments in northern Ethiopia.
“Immediate de-escalation is imperative to prevent a renewed conflict that would have serious consequences for civilians and regional stability,” the EU spokesperson said.
The TPLF underscored that “timely, sustained, and proactive facilitation” is required to preserve gains made since the November 2022 peace deal. The group urged the African Union to generate the “necessary momentum” to move beyond what it described as a “current impasse.”
The European Union reiterated that the November 2022 agreement must serve as the framework for dispute resolution. The EU stated it “stands ready to facilitate this and support confidence building measures” to ensure the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.
The TPLF letter, dated January 31, 2026, emphasised that the group seeks a “genuine, inclusive, and results-oriented dialogue” to advance reconciliation and stability in the region.
Government drone strikes on Tigray; TPLF media says it hit food trucks
Reuters reported that one person has been killed and another injured in drone strikes in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. Citing a senior Tigrayan official and a humanitarian worker, in another sign of renewed conflict between regional and federal forces, Reuters said.
The Tigrayan official on Saturday said the drone strikes hit two Isuzu trucks near Enticho and Gendebta, two places in Tigray about 20km (12 miles) apart.
The official said the Ethiopian National Defence Force launched the strikes, but did not provide evidence.
A local humanitarian worker confirmed the strikes had happened. Both asked not to be named, the Reuters news agency reported.
TPLF-affiliated news outlet Dimtsi Weyane posted pictures on Facebook that it said showed the trucks damaged in the strikes. It said the trucks were transporting food and cooking items.
