Timeline of the Tigray war (July 2021–November 2022)

This timeline details the major events of the Tigray War in Ethiopia from July 2021 to November 2022, a period marked by fluctuating control, humanitarian crisis, and eventual peace negotiations. This period followed the initial phase of the conflict, which began in November 2020.

July 2021:

• The Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) recapture Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, from Ethiopian federal forces and their allies. The Ethiopian government declares a unilateral ceasefire, which the TDF rejects.
• Fighting intensifies in the Afar and Amhara regions, as the TDF expands its operations beyond Tigray. Reports of atrocities committed by all sides emerge.
• The United Nations warns of a growing humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of food aid. Access to Tigray remains severely restricted.

August 2021:

• The TDF continues to advance into the Amhara and Afar regions, seizing control of strategic towns and highways.
• The Ethiopian government launches a counter-offensive, employing airstrikes and mobilizing militias.
• International pressure mounts for a ceasefire and negotiations. The United States imposes sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the conflict.

September 2021:

• Heavy fighting continues in the Amhara region, particularly around the towns of Dessie and Kombolcha.
• The humanitarian situation worsens, with reports of widespread starvation and disease.
• The Ethiopian government accuses the TDF of looting and destroying infrastructure in the areas they control. The TDF accuses the Ethiopian government of using starvation as a weapon of war.

October 2021:

• The TDF claims to have captured Dessie and Kombolcha, key cities on the road to Addis Ababa.
• The Ethiopian government declares a state of emergency.
• Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed calls on Ethiopians to take up arms against the TDF.

November 2021:

• The TDF advances further south, raising concerns about a potential assault on Addis Ababa.
• International mediation efforts intensify, led by the African Union and the United States.
• The Ethiopian government launches a large-scale offensive against the TDF, supported by drone strikes and allied militias.
• Several countries urge their citizens to leave Ethiopia.

December 2021:

• Ethiopian government forces, bolstered by newly trained militia and supported by external actors, begin to push back the TDF.
• Significant territorial gains are made by government forces in the Amhara and Afar regions.
• The humanitarian crisis deepens, with the UN reporting that hundreds of thousands are living in famine-like conditions.

January 2022:

• Government forces recapture several key towns previously held by the TDF.
• Sporadic fighting continues, but the intensity of the conflict decreases compared to previous months.
• Efforts to secure a ceasefire and begin negotiations continue, but with limited success.

February 2022 – August 2022:

• A relative lull in large-scale fighting allows for a slight increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Tigray, although access remains limited and insufficient.
• Both sides accuse each other of violating the existing ceasefire.
• Behind-the-scenes negotiations continue, mediated by the African Union.

August 2022:

• Fighting resumes between the Ethiopian government and the TDF, breaking the fragile humanitarian truce.
• Both sides blame each other for restarting the conflict.

September 2022 – October 2022:

• Intense fighting continues in northern Ethiopia, with both sides claiming victories.
• Airstrikes target Tigrayan cities, including Mekelle.
• The humanitarian situation deteriorates further, with limited access to essential services and supplies.
• International condemnation of the renewed violence intensifies.

November 2022:

• The Ethiopian government and the TDF agree to a cessation of hostilities following negotiations in Pretoria, South Africa, mediated by the African Union.
• The agreement includes provisions for disarmament, humanitarian access, and the restoration of services in Tigray.
• The agreement is seen as a major breakthrough in the conflict, offering hope for a lasting peace.