Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 10, 2026 Peace and security
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday called on all parties involved in renewed heavy fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region to cease hostilities, warning of the risk of further escalation of the crisis both in the north of the country and beyond.
"The situation remains extremely volatile, and we fear further deterioration, which will worsen the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation in the region," Türk said.
Echo of a previous conflict
The latest events in Tigray are a continuation of the bloody 2020–2022 conflict between government forces and separatist forces in the region, sparked by rising tensions between federal and local authorities. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than two million forced to flee their homes during the clashes, which reportedly involved troops from neighboring Eritrea. About a million of them remain internally displaced.
Between Two Fires
According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the new escalation has led to intensified fighting between the Ethiopian National Defence Forces and Tigray regional security forces near the border with Amhara state.
"Both sides have used drones, artillery, and other heavy weapons," Türk noted. "Civilians are once again caught in the crossfire, while both sides are reportedly arresting people suspected of having ties to the other side. This must stop."
Meanwhile, clashes continue in south and southeast Tigray between federal troops and the Tigray Peace Forces, a rival group, the High Commissioner added.
"All sides must step back from the brink and seek a political solution to their differences," Türk said. "Reports of serious violations or abuses must be promptly and independently investigated."
The Call of the Turk
Speaking to journalists in Geneva, High Commissioner Ravina Shamdasani warned that new clashes could erupt "at any moment," with grave consequences for the civilian population. She reiterated Türk's call for all parties to reaffirm their commitment to the Pretoria Ceasefire Agreement signed in 2022.
According to her, the warring parties must also ensure the return of internally displaced persons to their homes—this is one of the confidence-building measures envisaged by the agreement. "This process is not going as smoothly as it should," she noted.
A threat to the stability of the entire region
The High Commissioner also warned that recent tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could exacerbate already serious human rights concerns and worsen the humanitarian situation in both countries, as well as throughout the Horn of Africa region.
"We call for disputes to be resolved politically, not through violence," said Ravina Shamdasani. "We remember what happened in 2020-2021, when the conflict in Tigray escalated into a full-scale war… We cannot afford to return to that scenario."
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.