U.S. ambassador condemns new Tigray offensive, urges return to political dialogue

Addis Ababa — September 23, 2026

U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga has condemned a renewed military escalation in northern Ethiopia, saying the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) made a “poor decision” by launching what he described as a large-scale offensive.

In a statement Wednesday, Massinga said the United States was “disappointed” by the TPLF leadership and warned that further military action could deepen instability in Ethiopia.

“I am disappointed to see the leadership of the TPLF, that the United States sanctioned earlier this year, make the poor decision to launch a large-scale offensive today,” Massinga said.

His comments came as fighting was reported in parts of the neighbouring Afar region. Humanitarian and security sources cited by AFP reported clashes between TPLF forces and Ethiopian federal troops around Abala and Erebti, amid growing concerns that the violence could expand.

The TPLF and Ethiopian authorities have offered competing accounts of the latest escalation. Tigray authorities said federal forces had launched attacks on Tigrayan positions, including through airstrikes and ground operations, before the latest fighting.

Massinga said the TPLF should have pursued dialogue facilitated by the African Union rather than returning to armed confrontation.

“Rejecting dialogue sponsored by the AU under President Obasanjo and engaging in an unwinnable fight does nothing for the people,” he said.

The ambassador also issued a warning to other armed groups operating in Ethiopia, saying they would be “wise to avoid” following the same path.

The United States, Massinga said, retains the ability to impose additional sanctions on Ethiopian actors who contribute to further conflict.

“While the U.S. has tools to sanction additional leaders who try to push Ethiopia down the wrong path, I still believe a reasonable political dialogue is the right way to go,” he said.

The renewed fighting comes after months of sporadic clashes and heightened political tensions in northern Ethiopia. The TPLF fought federal forces during the devastating 2020-2022 conflict, which the African Union has estimated killed roughly 600,000 people.

The latest developments have raised concerns that the fragile post-war settlement could face further strain, with observers warning that continued fighting in Tigray and neighbouring regions could broaden the conflict.

For Washington, Massinga’s statement signals a preference for renewed political engagement while keeping the possibility of further targeted sanctions on the table.