Ethiopia's federal government has accused its former allies, Eritrea and the Fano militias, of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in a significant redrawing of alliances in the country's north. This comes less than four years after the TPLF fought a brutal war against the federal government, Eritrea, and the Amhara Fano militias between 2020 and 2022.

The accusation marks a dramatic shift from the previous conflict, where these groups were on opposing sides. The Ethiopian government's claims suggest a complex and volatile new phase of conflict is emerging in the region.

In March 2025, fighters from the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael, reportedly seized key locations in Mekele and towns along the Eritrean border. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies noted that Eritrea continues to occupy parts of the Irob and Shiraro districts, despite a peace agreement mandating foreign force withdrawal.

Further complicating the landscape, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the United Nations in October 2025, accusing the TPLF and Eritrea of "financing, mobilising and directing" Fano forces. The letter detailed alleged coordination, stating that a "hardline faction within the front and the Eritrean government" were preparing for war against Ethiopia.

The foreign minister’s letter also reportedly accused the TPLF and Eritrea of supporting Fano’s attempt to seize Weldiya city in September 2025, with TPLF leaders and fighters allegedly participating directly. However, Debretsion Gebremichael vehemently rejected these accusations, labeling them "fabricated stories and smear campaigns" aimed at deflecting from the federal government's alleged failure to uphold the peace agreement.

Fano, an irregular Amhara nationalist militia network without central leadership, emerged in its current form around 2016. Initially allied with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government against the TPLF, Fano has since resisted disarmament efforts, citing the need to defend the Amhara people from perceived government abuses. Reports suggest Fano's agenda may be expanding to include the removal of the current government.

This evolving set of alliances raises significant questions about the stability of the peace agreement signed in November 2022 and the future of northern Ethiopia. The involvement of former adversaries now allegedly collaborating against the federal government points to deep-seated political and ethnic tensions that persist despite the formal cessation of hostilities.

Past events have shown the devastating impact of conflict in the region, and the potential for renewed fighting between these fragmented and shifting alliances poses a serious threat to civilians and the ongoing peace process.