REFLEXIVE PEACE PRACTICE (RPP) PROJECT

Ethiopia experienced escalating tensions in Tigray, with reported drone and air strikes targeting civilian areas, including an August 18 strike in Mekelle that wounded at least 13 people. The Tigray regional government issued an urgent call for international diplomatic intervention to prevent renewed war, warning that continued silence could be interpreted as acquiescence and embolden further attacks. In Oromia's Gida Ayana district, complex multi-front violence continues with civilians caught in the crossfire between Fano, federal forces, and Oromia regional security structures. The Ethiopian Catholic Bishops' Conference called for dialogue and forgiveness, but political and military tensions remain high. Economic pressures, food shortages in IDP centers, and the potential for regional spillover represent significant concerns.