Ethiopia–Tigray Conflict: Renewed Clashes in Afar Region
In News
Event: Ethiopia’s Afar regional administration reported fresh attacks by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Details:
TPLF allegedly seized six villages and shelled civilian areas in Afar.
The Afar authorities have warned that they will “undertake their defensive duty” if attacks continue.
Significance: Marks a renewed escalation in tensions nearly three years after the 2020–2022 civil war ended with a ceasefire.
The Pretoria Agreement (Nov 2022) formally ended the two-year Tigray war in Ethiopia,mediated by the African Union in Pretoria, South Africa.
About Afar Triangle:
It is part of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa and is a geological depression known for its significance in human evolution. It overlaps Eritrea, Djibouti, and the Afar Region of Ethiopia and contains Lake Assal, Africa’s lowest point.
The region experiences extreme heat and drought, with some of the hottest temperatures on Earth. It is bordered by the Ethiopian Plateau, the Danakil block, the Somali Plateau, and the Ali-Sabieh block. Fossil sites in the Afar region, such as Hadar and Dikika, have yielded important discoveries related to early hominins and human tool culture.
Prelims Practice Question
Q. The Pretoria Agreement (2022), sometimes seen in news, is related to:
A. Power-sharing between civilian and military factions in Sudan
B. Peace settlement between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigray rebels
C. Trade corridor initiative between Horn of Africa nations
D. Maritime boundary settlement between Kenya and Somalia
✅ Answer: B. Peace settlement between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigray rebels
Explanation:
The Pretoria Agreement (Nov 2022) formally ended the two-year Tigray war in Ethiopia.
Mediated by the African Union in Pretoria, South Africa
Q. In the context of African geopolitics, which of the following countries share a border with Ethiopia?
Kenya
Sudan
Uganda
Eritrea
Djibouti
A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
✅ Answer: A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
Explanation:
Ethiopia shares borders with Eritrea (north), Djibouti (northeast), Somalia (east), Kenya (south), Sudan and South Sudan (west). Trick: DESKSS
It does not share a border with Uganda — South Sudan lies between them.
Q. Which of the following correctly explains the strategic importance of Ethiopia’s Afar region?
It borders the Red Sea and provides Ethiopia direct access to the sea.
It acts as a land bridge between Ethiopia and Djibouti, housing vital trade routes.
It contains one of the world’s lowest points — the Danakil Depression.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 3 only
✅ Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 – Incorrect: Ethiopia is landlocked; Afar borders Djibouti, but does not touch the sea.
Statement 2 – Correct: Afar is a trade corridor connecting Ethiopia to the Port of Djibouti.
Statement 3 – Correct: The Danakil Depression (in Afar) is among the lowest and hottest places on Earth.
Q. Which of the following international organizations was primarily involved in mediating the 2022 Ethiopia–Tigray peace process?
A. United Nations
B. African Union
C. Arab League
D. Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
✅ Answer: B. African Union
Explanation:
The African Union (AU) played the lead mediation role in the Pretoria peace talks (2022) between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF.
IGAD supported AU efforts but was not the main mediator.