Qatar and UAE back Ethiopian government as fighting spreads beyond Tigray

[Quarter‑Time: Qatar and UAE Reinforce Ethiopian Government Amid Escalated Fighting Outside Tigray]

                               <p>Qatar and UAE affirm Ethiopian government as fighting spills beyond Tigray.</p>


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                                    <p>Qatar has condemned the recent military escalation targeting Ethiopia’s federal forces, whereas the United Arab Emirates voiced strong support for the Ethiopian government as fighting intensifies across the north.</p>

                                    <p>According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the ongoing conflict threatens Ethiopia’s unity, sovereignty, and the broader stability of the Horn of Africa.</p>
                                    <p>The ministry urged all parties to cease hostilities promptly, safeguard civilian populations, and uphold the Pretoria Peace Agreement between Tigray and Ethiopia.</p>
                                    <p>The Qatari declaration refrains from naming specific rebel groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) or the newly formed coalition of armed factions opposing the federal government. It affirmed full support for initiatives aimed at de‑escalating tensions and resolving disputes through diplomacy.</p>

                                   <h2>Fighting spreads beyond Tigray</h2>
                                    <p>These remarks emerged amid the gravest battles in northern Ethiopia since the cease‑fire that ended the 2020‑2022 war, during which hundreds of thousands were killed.</p>
                                    <p>Tigrayan forces claimed control of the airports at Mekelle, Axum and Shire last week, causing Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to the region.</p>
                                    <p>The TPLF asserts its engagement is defensive, citing federal strikes that employed drones, artillery and conventional troops. The federal authorities counter‑charge that the group launched a strategic offensive.</p>
                                    <p>Over the past weekend, Tigrayan forces seized Erebti in Afar while pro‑government forces announced the capture of Alamata—a crucial supply town approximately 120 km south of the capital, Mekelle.</p>
                                    <p>A drone strike hit the headquarters of Tigray Television in Mekelle on Sunday; journalists reportedly evacuated the premises after detecting prior explosions, and no casualties were reported. The federal government issued no comment.</p>
                                    <p>Médecins Sans Frontières reported a surge in treating the wounded—more than 420 at Korem and Alamata between 22 and 25 September, with over 300 arriving at Suhul Hospital during the preceding week.</p>
                                    <p>The Afar Pastoralist Development Association estimates that around 150,000 people have been displaced by the fighting.</p>
                                    <p>United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the occupation of the three airports and the spread of hostilities beyond the Tigray region. He called on all sides to halt fighting, protect civilians, allow humanitarian assistance, and resume diplomatic talks under the peace framework.</p>
                                    <h2>Ethiopia and its neighbours exchange accusations</h2>
                                    <p>Ethiopia’s armed forces chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, alleged that Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt were backing armed factions opposing the government, although no concrete evidence was provided.</p>
                                    <p>Sudan’s military rejected these accusations, instead stating that Ethiopia authorized its territory to be used for the deployment of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces.</p>
                                    <p>Egypt’s foreign ministry declined to name Ethiopia directly while dismissing suggestions of external interference as baseless; spokesperson Nader Zaki emphasized Egypt’s respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.</p>
                                    <p>Eritrea denied supporting any Ethiopian combatant groups and alleged that Addis Ababa attempted to shift credit for the conflict.</p>
                                    <p>Last month, the TPLF joined six additional armed groups in forming an alliance seeking to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and establish a transitional administration.</p>

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