MEKELLE, ETHIOPIA — The Central Military Command of the Tigray Peace Force (TPF) issued an official statement on October 6, 2026 (26 Meskerem 2019 E.C.), offering safety guarantees and surrender terms to opposition fighters following recent clashes across the Tigray region.
The announcement comes as federal troops and allied factions, including the Tigray Peace Force, report consolidating control over key areas in Tigray, including the regional capital, Mekelle.
In the four-point statement signed by the TPF Deputy Commander, the group outlined terms aimed at disarming remaining opposition combatants. Members of opposition units who surrender with their weapons and equipment are promised full protection by the Tigray Peace Force and the Mekelle City Administration. Additionally, fighters deserting opposition ranks and reporting to nearby Federal or TPF military posts are slated to be formally registered and provided protection.
The command also urged loyalists of TPLF Chairman Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael to cease combat operations and submit to government authority, stating that their lives would be spared and their cases processed under existing legal procedures. Regarding reintegration, the TPF referenced cooperation with local authorities to facilitate frameworks for individuals currently in temporary shelters or affected by conflict mobilization.
The directive follows a sharp escalation in hostilities that broke out on September 22, 2026 (12 Meskerem 2019 E.C.). The federal government and allied regional forces have accused opposition factions including remnants of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and partner groups of instigating new fighting. Conversely, TPLF leadership under Debretsion Gebremichael has framed the conflict as defensive and signaled plans for a mobile military strategy following tactical withdrawals from major urban centers.
The TPF statement concluded with an appeal to community leaders and families in Tigray to encourage combatants to lay down arms, maintaining that the military campaign targets political leadership rather than the civilian population.
