Rebel forces in the embattled northern region of Ethiopia, Tigray claims they are in control of Mekele, according to the Spokesperson.
Ethiopia’s former leaders of the Tigray region claim to have “regained control over the regional capital” several months after they were driven out by the coalition of Eritreans and the Ethiopian military, turning the conflict into a deadly civil war.
According to an official from Addis Ababa who spoke to Association Press, Tigrayan rebel forces had regained the “full control” of Mekele, the region’s capital city. The same news was confirmed by TPLF-Tigray People’s Liberation Front spokesperson Getachew Reda.
“They are celebrating outside my door now,” the interim government official said by phone from Mekele. “People are firing fireworks, hooting horns, shouting in groups.”
He added that the interim government’s top leadership had all left Mekele.
The Ethiopian government immediately announced a cease-fire on Monday morning of June 28. The rebels refused to comment on the development.
“An unconditional, unilateral ceasefire has been declared starting from today, June 28,” read a statement published by state media Monday night.
Since last year Ethiopian troops have fought alongside ethnic militias and neighboring Eritrea military controlling a large area in the Northern region.
Sources tell Ramciel that from last week officials in the interim government have been leaving the city quietly without telling their colleagues where they were going.
“A lot of young people, merchants, farmers have joined the TDF,” said the interim government official. “They feel that they are fighting for survival. They will fight forever, that’s for sure. It is now irreconcilable.”