The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) today liberated the town of Adigrat in Tigray region after days of combating with Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters.
Adigrat is located in the northern side of the capital of Tigray Mekele, the major town left under the control of TPLF. The news came when the representatives of TPLF and the Government of Ethiopia are set to commence peace talks today.
Adigrayt is located 115 killometers away from the stronghold of TPLF – Mekele City. Over the past few weeks ENDF has been liberating major towns in Tigray from the TPLF control including the historic city of Axum, Adwa and the like.
I follow the persistent situation of conflict in Ethiopia with trepidation. May the efforts of the parties for dialogue lead to a genuine path of reconciliation. May our prayers, our solidarity and the necessary humanitarian aid not fail our Ethiopian brothers and sisters.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 23, 2022
Analysts say that the recent capturing of major towns in Tigray region by the ENDF is likely to give the upper hand for the Government of Ethiopia to force the TPLF to put down arms as a precondition for the African Union mediated peace talk expected to start today in South Africa.