Counting has begun in Nigeria's 2023 governor elections, which have been rocked by violence. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced the launch of a military operation against rebels in the Tigray region, in the north of the country.

The announcement comes after months of tension between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been in control of the region for decades.

According to the prime minister, the operation is intended to restore law and order in the region, which he claims has been destabilized by the TPLF. He has also accused the group of attacking military bases and attempting to steal weapons, and has said that the government's response is necessary to protect civilians.

The TPLF has rejected the accusations and called the operation a "declaration of war." The group has also accused the federal government of trying to silence dissent and of attempting to centralize power in the country.

The TPLF was a key player in the coalition that ruled Ethiopia for decades before Abiy came to power in 2018, and has since become a fierce critic of his government.

The conflict in Tigray began in November 2020, when the federal government launched a military offensive against the TPLF following an attack on a military base in the region. Since then, thousands of people have been killed, and there have been reports of atrocities committed by both sides.

The conflict has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced and in need of assistance.

The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of neighboring countries, with reports of Eritrean forces supporting the federal government and Sudanese forces massing on the border. The United Nations has called for an end to the fighting and for all parties to engage in dialogue, but so far, a peaceful resolution to the conflict seems unlikely.

The announcement of the new military operation has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and human rights abuses in the region. International organizations and governments have called for an immediate end to the fighting and for the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.

As the conflict continues, the people of Tigray are facing an uncertain future, with their lives and livelihoods at risk. The situation highlights the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and for the protection of civilians caught in the middle.

The conflict in Tigray began in November 2020 when the Ethiopian government launched a military offensive against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) following an attack on a military base in the region. The TPLF was the ruling party in Tigray and a key player in Ethiopia's coalition government until Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018.

Since the start of the conflict, there have been reports of atrocities committed by both sides, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement. The Ethiopian government has also been accused of cutting off communication and humanitarian access to the region.

Final Words

In February 2021, the United Nations estimated that over 4.5 million people in Tigray were in need of assistance, including food, water, and medical care. Reports have also emerged of a famine-like situation in parts of Tigray, with aid agencies warning of a humanitarian catastrophe if access to the region is not restored.