TPLF says Federal Forces’ Drone strike violated peace deal

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has accused Ethiopia’s federal government of committing “grave violations” of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), signed in November 2022 to end the two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia.

In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union (AU) officials, TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael alleged that federal forces carried out a drone strike at around 3:30 a.m. on November 7, targeting TPLF positions near the Tigray–Afar border. The attack reportedly resulted in “casualties and property destruction.”

Debretsion described the incident as a “clear and alarming breach” of the Pretoria Agreement, warning that such actions could destabilize the region and “unravel the fragile peace.” The letter also accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government of “publicly disavowing” the peace accord and supporting armed groups in the Afar region, moves that, according to the TPLF, threaten to “undermine regional stability.”

The TPLF reaffirmed what it called its “unwavering commitment” to the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. It urged the UN, AU, and international partners to pressure Ethiopia’s government to “cease hostilities, honor its obligations under the Agreement, and re-engage in good-faith dialogue.”

The accusations come amid renewed clashes in the Afar region, further straining relations between the federal government and the TPLF.

On November 5, the Afar Regional State government accused the TPLF and its affiliates of launching a cross-border attack, reportedly seizing six villages and attacking civilians using heavy weaponry, including mortars and anti-aircraft guns, in Zone Two of Afar’s Magale Woreda. Afar authorities condemned the assault as “an act of terrorism” and warned of possible retaliation.

Tensions between the federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation FrontTPLF have been steadily escalating since the beginning of 2025. Both sides have accused each other of undermining the peace established after the Pretoria Agreement.

In July, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a formal letter to the United Nations accusing the TPLF leadership in Mekelle of collaborating with Eritrean and Amhara militant groups. The federal government claimed that such actions posed a direct challenge to national sovereignty and the peace framework.

Recently the TPLF leadership accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government of demonstrating a “lack of commitment” to the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. More recently, Prime Minister Abiy claimed that the TPLF was diverting federal funds to support insurgent activities.

Since the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the Pretoria Peace Deal, the region’s stability has remained uncertain. Accusations continue between both sides, raising concerns about renewed conflict. This has prompted international partners to urge renewed commitment to the peace agreement.