REFLEXIVE PEACE PRACTICE (RPP) PROJECT

Ethiopia experienced continued catastrophic conflict during 6–12 October 2026. Government forces and allied Tigray Peace Force militias recaptured Mekelle on 3–4 October after TPLF withdrew, with residents reporting widespread looting. UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed grave concern on 9 October over renewed fighting in Tigray, Afar, and Amhara, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to dialogue under the Pretoria Agreement framework. Amnesty International urged the AU to convene an emergency session, warning that civilian infrastructure including schools was being damaged in aerial attacks and that the communications blackout could conceal atrocities. Ethiopia announced a new interim administration for Tigray, with regional elections expected in coming months. Between October 06 and October 12, 2026, Ethiopia experienced a severe escalation in security volatility. Reports on October 07 confirmed Eritrean troop movements into Adigrat, followed by intense fighting in Menz on October 08 that caused multiple civilian casualties. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a public warning on October 10 regarding regional cross-border militarization.