Web Desk ; In a striking political shift, seven Ethiopian armed groups—including factions that fought on opposing sides of the devastating 2020–2022 Tigray civil war—have announced a coalition aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s federal government.
The newly formed Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival unites ethnically diverse factions from across the country, spanning from the northern Tigray region down to the southern Somali Region.
Unlikely Allies: The coalition brings together the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Amhara Fano National Movement. During the Tigray war, Fano militias fought alongside federal forces against the TPLF before turning their weapons on Prime Minister Abiy’s administration in 2023.
Broad Coalition: Alongside the TPLF and Fano, the alliance features armed groups from the Oromia, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions.
Government Response: Prime Minister Abiy’s administration dismissed the move, stating it merely validates long-standing government claims. Officials allege the coalition has been quietly collaborating with the backing of Eritrea, Ethiopia’s neighbor and historic adversary—an accusation Asmara has consistently denied.
Media Crackdown: Following the announcement, which was broadcast on TPLF-controlled Tigrai TV and read by Fano leader Zemene Kassie, Ethiopia’s media regulator banned domestic news outlets from using Tigrai TV as a source.
Rising Tensions and Regional Implications
The alliance announcement follows months of escalating friction between the federal government and regional factions. In May, the TPLF reasserted control over its local political administration—a move violating the 2022 Pretoria peace accord—citing a failure by Addis Ababa to fully implement the agreement. Since then, security monitors have reported multiple military drone strikes against Tigrayan forces.
While Prime Minister Abiy’s government faces mounting pressure from the multi-front coalition, regional analysts suggest the partnership may encounter severe hurdles.
Magnus Taylor, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, noted that while the federal government is likely to view the pact with concern, the coalition’s effectiveness remains in question due to vast geographical distances, underlying political rivalries, and the varying military strengths of its member groups.
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