Amnesty reports impunity heightens civilian risk as fighting resumes in Tigray

Amnesty International warned on Monday that the resurgence of hostilities in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region is leaving civilians increasingly exposed to violence, citing a pattern of impunity for past abuses. The human‑rights group said that despite a 2022 ceasefire and subsequent peace talks, accountability for alleged war crimes and other violations remains limited, creating an environment where new attacks can occur unchecked.

The organization highlighted that the Ethiopian federal forces, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied militias have previously been accused of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, forced displacement and looting. Amnesty noted that investigations into these incidents have been slow or inconclusive, and that many perpetrators have not faced prosecution. With renewed fighting reported along the front lines and in towns previously considered stable, the lack of legal recourse, according to the group, heightens the risk of further civilian harm and hampers humanitarian access.

Amnesty called on Ethiopian authorities, regional actors and the international community to prioritize independent investigations, ensure that those responsible for violations are held to account, and strengthen protections for civilians as the conflict escalates. The group emphasized that without addressing the legacy of impunity, the cycle of abuse is likely to continue, undermining prospects for lasting peace in Tigray.