AU's Olusegun Obasanjo visits Mekelle amid rising tensions in northern Ethiopia
via The Reporter Ethiopia12 min read
Olusegun Obasanjo, the African Union’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa, visited Mekelle on June 11, 2026, to prevent a return to conflict and assess the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. His visit follows reports of a drone strike in northwestern Tigray and concerns over military mobilization. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front TPLF recently reinstated its pre-war 2020 State Council, electing Debretsion Gebremichael as regional president, which dismantled the federally recognized Interim Regional Administration. The TPLF's self-proclaimed regional government has also unveiled legislation proposing mandatory mobilization, expanded security powers, and a new media regulatory regime. This draft legislation, which includes penalties for refusing mobilization and allows arrests without court warrants, has been criticized by opposition parties like Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice EZEMA and Salsay Weyane Tigray SAWET as a blueprint for totalitarian control and an assault on judicial independence. EZEMA warned that the situation risks reigniting conflict and called for dialogue, while SAWET urged international bodies to review the proclamation. Both the federal government and the TPLF are seen as having failed to fully implement the Pretoria Agreement, contributing to the current crisis.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
Must ReadThe US State Department has announced visa restrictions on leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front TPLF and their immediate family members. This decision comes as tensions between TPLF hardliners and the Ethiopian government threaten to reignite conflict in northern Ethiopia, potentially undermining regional peace and security. The US government statement highlighted that military forces loyal to the TPLF, referred to as the “Tigray Security Forces,” engaged directly with the Ethiopian National Defense Force ENDF earlier this year, jeopardizing the fragile peace established after the November 2022 war. The visa restrictions target individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining the resolution to the crisis in the Tigray region. The State Department also noted that the TPLF and the unilaterally reinstated Tigray regional council recently unveiled draft legislation described by opposition parties and rights advocates as a “blueprint for totalitarian control.” This proposed legislation includes mandatory mobilization, expanded security powers, a new media regulatory regime, and a central command structure led by the regional president. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have already fled their homes in northern Ethiopia due to fears of renewed conflict.
Must ReadThe African Union has welcomed a newly signed peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough. The deal, signed in France by US President Donald Trump and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, aims to end the war between their countries. Both nations have committed to further talks to finalize the agreement within 60 days. Key aspects of the initial deal include pledges to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a USD 300 billion reconstruction package for Iran, and assurances that Washington will lift "all types of sanctions" on Iran. The agreement does not address Iran’s nuclear program, which analysts expect to be part of future negotiations. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, stated that the accord is an important step toward ending hostilities and fostering long-term stability in the Middle East, highlighting the power of dialogue and diplomacy. Youssouf praised the parties for their engagement and acknowledged the roles of Donald Trump, as well as the mediation efforts of Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar.
Must ReadThe United States has announced over $1 billion in humanitarian and disaster-response assistance, distributed through UNICEF and the World Food Programme WFP. Ethiopia is among more than 40 countries expected to benefit from this funding. The assistance aims to support food security, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, and other humanitarian programs for vulnerable populations affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Over $218 million will go to UNICEF, and more than $800 million to WFP. This funding is part of grants to trusted humanitarian partners and is intended to support life-saving operations. WFP welcomed the contribution, stating it will strengthen its capacity to respond to hunger crises and emerging emergencies globally. Ethiopia continues to receive support from UNICEF and WFP for food assistance, nutrition services, water and sanitation programs, and emergency responses for populations affected by conflict, drought, and displacement. This allocation is one of the largest US humanitarian funding announcements since a review of aid programs began after President Donald Trump's administration ordered a pause on foreign development assistance in January 2025, gradually resuming selected humanitarian assistance through international organizations.