United Nations Warns of Full-Scale War in Northern Ethiopia

The United Nations expressed grave concern on September 25, 2026, as fighting escalated across northern Ethiopia, threatening a return to full-scale war. Conflict has spread across multiple fronts, with reported drone strikes hitting schools and food assistance trucks in Tigray, while a mortar strike killed civilians in Kobo, Amhara.

The escalation has severely disrupted humanitarian operations. Armed groups have seized aid vehicles, and the Tigray region is experiencing widespread internet and call service outages. These security failures coincide with below-average rainfall linked to El Niño, increasing the vulnerability of displaced civilians in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar.

Secretary-General António Guterres and Special Envoy Guang Cong are currently engaging with national and regional leaders to resume dialogue under the November 2022 peace accord. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged all parties to de-escalate tensions following the reports of strikes on civilians and educational facilities.