DW Amharic – Residents fear renewed conflict between TPLF and the Federal Government
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Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic article taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic – Residents fear renewed conflict between TPLF and the Federal Government
Isayas Gelaw
February 18, 2026 (Yehatit 11, 2018 EC)
Residents of Alamata City say the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Federal Government are on the brink of renewed fighting. Three weeks ago, Tigray Forces took control of the city after Federal Forces withdrew.
Residents of Alamata say local youths have been subject to forced conscription and the price of goods has risen drastically.
Sources who live in Alamata and other parts of the Raya territory say they fear renewed fighting in the Tigray Region. Prior to this, the Pretoria peace deal had ended the northern war however current activities and signs suggest resumption of war is imminent, say residents of Alamata. “The people are under severe stress, the youth are spending nights in the wilderness due to forced conscription, the situation is very troublesome for the youth.”
“There are signs it could ignite, for me my wife is still pregnant but otherwise my preference was to leave, if there is use of heavy artillery many people are likely to perish.”
A resident of Alamata City said there were people who have been displaced from the area due to fears of war and said the situation in the city is frightening. “It is very difficult to live in Alamata there are also many soldiers the situation is difficult, secondly, they have positioned weapons in the city center next to the people. The people are becoming displaced; they have told us to stay or take the black asphalt to leave. This is now today.”
In relation to military activity in Alamata City and its surroundings, the price of goods has increased according to sources who said the situation was already difficult. They said they have faced difficulty sending their children away to escape victimization in relation to conflict. “Our life has been impacted by the rising cost of living and all pressures, everyone is in fear asking where we can send our children. The cost of living has increased drastically including even basic goods. Women are afraid their children will be taken and have attempted to flee to Jeddah, but they are seized and sent back, everyone is in fear.”
Following today’s unrest in Alamata City many residents have fled to neighboring areas, residents who spoke to Deutsche Welle said they are hopeful authorities will resolve the situation. “We had said authorities would come but now we are losing hope and the youth are being forced to leave, the situation is dire as we are surrounded, there is no path to the airport, they are talking about peaceful demonstrations today, but the people have not come out.”
A large number of youths have left their place of birth due to escape war according to Alamata City residents who add transportation services are not freely available from Korem, Alamata and other areas.
“At this time the majority is afraid and are leaving, many youths left from Korem yesterday, people are leaving Alamata, bus transportation services from Alamata have been booked until Friday, and those leaving from Tigray pass through here to travel to Addis Ababa.”
Over the past 3 weeks, more than 60,000 residents have left from Alamata, Raya Alamata, Korem and other areas, and are stranded in Kobo City facing dire circumstances without any food assistance, says former Alamata City mayor Ato Seyoum Arbisie.
“For over three weeks the population has been displaced without any assistance and without being able to work as the area is not convenient for work, the situation is dire with some forced to beg, the people are facing a severe problem, it impacts your conscience to move around this area, hunger does not wait.”
The number of people entering Kobo City has increased by the day due to fears of war in the area.
Isayas Gelaw
Mantegaftot Sileshi
Shewaye Legesse
