By Tesma Endalk
Western Tigray—near Shire—has lived through years of fear and silence. Many families, like Tsegaye’s, carry stories of loss that few outside the area truly see. The map may look simple, but lives on the ground are not. Boundaries, names, and control have shifted, and people are left confused and scared.
This introduction sets the stage for facts and human impact: the location near Shire, the contested administration under the Amhara region, and references to the old Begeleider (Begemder) province. We will look at who controls what, why that matters, and how ordinary people are affected.
We aim to separate rumor from record, and dignity from denial.
The goal is understanding, accountability, and a clearer view of Western Tigray.
Historical Overview of Ethnic Tensions
Historical ethnic tensions in Western Tigray have deep roots that go back long before the start of the war in 2020. The area has been a point of dispute between the Tigrayan and Amhara communities for many years. Its shifting boundaries and mixed population gave rise to complex relationships, but also deep grievances. The Tigray regional government, led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), held authority from the 1990s. However, claims by the Amhara community that parts of Western Tigray historically belonged to Amhara fueled long-standing resentment. When violence broke out in late 2020, these historical wounds reopened, sparking new cycles of violence and displacement as each side accused the other of past injustices, land grabs, and attempts at forced assimilation. The long struggle for control left Western Tigray especially vulnerable to the nightmare of ethnic cleansing.
Geography and Political Control in the Region
Geography and political control in Western Tigray are especially important in understanding why the crisis here has been so severe. Western Tigray is strategically located, bordering Sudan to the west and the Amhara region to the south. It is known for fertile farmlands and is vital for both Tigrayan and Amhara groups from an economic and cultural perspective. Before the war, the area was officially part of Tigray Region, but it has a sizable Amhara population and disputed boundaries. Since November 2020, Amhara forces have taken over most of Western Tigray, replacing Tigrayan administrators and raising the Amhara flag. These changes on the ground have made returning to the status quo much harder, and local Tigrayans have faced expulsions, violence, and fear. The region’s control is not just a question of maps, but of who feels safe or is driven out.
Role of the Amhara Regional Administration
The role of the Amhara regional administration in Western Tigray is deeply worrying. After war erupted, Amhara officials and security forces took control of Western Tigray, claiming it as rightful Amhara territory. Local Amhara administrators replaced Tigrayan officials almost overnight. Reports from multiple human rights groups say that Amhara authorities, alongside Amhara militias, carried out systematic campaigns to drive out Tigrayans from towns and rural areas. Many Tigrayans were detained, dispossessed, and forced to leave homes, often under threat of violence. Up to now, Amhara regional leaders continue to insist on controlling the region, blocking the return of displaced Tigrayans and even disputing attempts at compromise or resettlement. The administration’s actions have been condemned internationally for amounting to ethnic cleansing, but they remain unchecked on the ground.
The Truce and Its Limitations
The truce between the federal government and Tigrayan forces in late 2022, often called the Pretoria Agreement, was supposed to bring hope for peace. But in Western Tigray, the truce has serious limitations. Despite the ceasefire, reports by Human Rights Watch and international monitors show that abuses continue. Amhara forces and administrators are still present in Western Tigray, and the expulsion of Tigrayan civilians has not stopped. Key limitations of the truce include the lack of an effective mechanism for displaced people to return, absence of accountability for those responsible for abuses, and continued outside intervention from Amhara and Eritrean factions. The agreement did not address who controls Western Tigray or guarantee security for Tigrayan survivors who want to go home. Because of these gaps, peace for Western Tigray remains fragile and the suffering of its people goes on.
Patterns of Violence Since 2020
Patterns of violence since 2020 in Western Tigray have shocked the world. After the conflict erupted in November 2020, Western Tigray quickly became one of the most brutal battlegrounds. According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, ethnic cleansing, mass killings, and widespread detentions targeted Tigrayan civilians. Reports describe systematic campaigns, including house-to-house searches, beatings, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances. Villages were repeatedly attacked, and Tigrayans were separated from non-Tigrayans for abuse or forced expulsion. Multiple sources, such as the Council on Foreign Relations and Al Jazeera, note that these abuses have occurred almost continuously, even after high-level agreements or supposed ceasefires. This pattern highlights the targeted and ongoing nature of the atrocities.
Major Waves of Mass Expulsions
Major waves of mass expulsions have defined the crisis in Western Tigray. From late 2020 through 2023, Amhara forces, with support from federal authorities, carried out systematic expulsions of Tigrayan populations. Human Rights Watch reports detail how tens of thousands were given short notices—sometimes as little as a few hours—to leave their homes. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and civil society sources documented convoys of trucks and buses forced to transport Tigrayans out of towns like Humera, Rawyan, and Welkait. In some periods, particularly late 2021 and summer 2022, entire urban districts emptied within days. People were dispossessed of property and separated from family members; many survivors describe being herded into overcrowded displacement camps or left with no support at all.
The Situation in and Around Shire
The situation in and around Shire remains alarming well into 2023 and 2024. Shire became a major destination for displaced people expelled from Western Tigray. According to UN OCHA and international media, the area is strained by huge numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Camps and settlements around Shire are severely overcrowded, with basic services such as food, shelter, and healthcare in short supply. Aid organizations like the ICRC and IOM highlight that many families live in makeshift shelters, struggling to access clean water, sanitation, and education for children. Sporadic violence and new waves of displacement regularly force even more civilians into the area, stretching humanitarian resources to the breaking point. As of mid-2024, new government initiatives to “return” IDPs have not resolved underlying security and justice concerns for Tigrayans.
Impact on Local Villages and Communities
Impact on local villages and communities has been devastating. Villages across Western Tigray—once home to vibrant farming communities—now lie partially or wholly abandoned. Homes have been burned or taken over by new occupants from neighboring regions. Those who remain face daily intimidation, restricted movement, and the constant threat of violence. Agricultural activities are nearly impossible under such insecurity, so hunger and poverty have skyrocketed. Reports from humanitarian field missions show that children are out of school and severely traumatized, while the elderly and sick struggle without adequate care. For many, hope for return or normalcy is fading as violence has erased the fabric of community life. The consequences of these atrocities are being felt for generations.
Key Actors and Their Involvement
Amhara Security Forces and Militias
Amhara security forces and militias have played a central role in the Western Tigray conflict. Since 2020, these groups, including organized militia and local authorities, have been responsible for gaining control over much of the Western Tigray zone. Human rights organizations and international reports highlight that Amhara security forces have carried out widespread acts of violence, forced expulsions, and other abuses against ethnic Tigrayans. These actions are widely described as part of a coordinated effort to change the demographics of the region, which some reports call ethnic cleansing. Recent findings from the US State Department and Human Rights Watch point out that these forces have continued to commit crimes such as deportations, arbitrary detentions, and property destruction even after the Pretoria peace agreement. Amhara militias have reportedly acted with a sense of impunity, often detaining Tigrayans, controlling aid access, and participating in forcible transfers.
Role of the Fano Militia
The Fano militia is one of the most well-known and influential Amhara paramilitary groups. Fano militants have been directly involved in escalating violence in Western Tigray, cooperating with Amhara regional security forces in efforts to expel Tigrayan civilians. Described as ethno-nationalist, the Fano militia has actively participated in mass expulsions, intimidation, and armed attacks against Tigrayans. Experts and news features from The New Humanitarian and Human Rights Watch explain that Fano’s actions are not only directed at Tigrayan communities but have also brought them into conflict with Ethiopia’s federal forces and other ethnic groups. The Fano militia’s prominence has grown as it seeks full Amhara control over disputed territories, underlining its importance in both the local power struggle and broader regional instability.
Federal Government Policies and Enforcement
Federal government policies regarding Western Tigray have been criticized for both direct and indirect support of abuses. Since the start of the Tigray conflict, the Ethiopian government allowed the transfer of administrative control in parts of Western Tigray to Amhara authorities, which gave regional forces and militias more power to operate. Reports from sources like the US State Department and Human Rights Watch highlight how government actions and policies have contributed to the violation of rights, including mass displacement, deportations, and denial of humanitarian access. Even after the Pretoria peace deal, the federal government’s counterinsurgency operations have focused mainly on suppressing certain militias (including the Fano, when they turned against the state), rather than ensuring protection for vulnerable Tigrayan populations. The lack of accountability and continued violence has led many to question the commitment of the government to enforcing human rights laws and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Eritrean and Allied Forces’ Activities
Eritrean forces have also played a very concerning role in Western Tigray. Throughout 2023 and 2024, multiple reports confirm that Eritrean troops remained active in the region, even after official ceasefire agreements. Human Rights Watch and The Sentry have documented serious human rights violations committed by Eritrean military units, including killings, looting, sexual violence, and forced displacement of civilians. Eritrean involvement has further complicated the situation, as their operations are often coordinated with local Amhara forces or conducted independently with little regard for civilian life. These activities have contributed to the climate of fear and insecurity, delaying the return of displaced Tigrayans and making humanitarian access extremely difficult. The presence of Eritrean and allied forces is a major obstacle to any genuine peace or reconciliation in Western Tigray.
International Human Rights Organizations’ Findings
International human rights organizations have provided crucial documentation of abuses in Western Tigray. Organizations like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the United States Department of State consistently report ongoing patterns of “ethnic cleansing,” mass expulsions, arbitrary detention, and systematic violence by Amhara and allied forces. Their investigations, including joint reports, have concluded that crimes against humanity are still being committed even after the major hostilities were supposed to have ended. These groups also document the continued denial of humanitarian access, the destruction of villages, and the harsh conditions for children and families living under occupation or in displacement camps. Their findings have supported calls for urgent action by the international community, including stronger accountability measures and pressure on both the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments to halt the abuses and restore rights to the affected populations.
These key actors have deeply shaped the tragic reality in Western Tigray, making it clear that safety, justice, and the restoration of rights remain far from reach for many innocent people today.
Human Impact and Testimonies
Accounts from Survivors and Witnesses
Accounts from survivors and witnesses in Western Tigray paint a deeply troubling picture of daily life since the start of the conflict. Many Tigrayan civilians have described forced evictions, threats, and violence at the hands of local militias and security forces. Survivors talk about being rounded up in the night, separated from their family members, and subjected to repeated harassment. Some were forced to walk for miles with little food or water, while others saw their homes looted or burned. Witnesses recall the terror of watching neighbors disappear, never to return, and the heartbreak of leaving behind everything they owned. For many, these stories are marked by deep grief and confusion, as most had lived in relative peace with their neighbors before violence erupted.
Conditions in Detention Facilities
Conditions in detention facilities in Western Tigray are reportedly inhumane and degrading. Testimonies describe overcrowded cells where hundreds are confined in spaces meant for far fewer people. Food is scarce and water is often contaminated, leading to illness and malnutrition. Detainees say they were denied medical care, and some reported beatings or other abuses at the hands of guards. Men, women, and sometimes even children are detained together, with little information given about the reasons for their detention or how long they would be held. Some survivors say they only gained their freedom through bribes or after international organizations intervened. The atmosphere in these places is one of fear, uncertainty, and despair.
Forced Displacement and Refugee Crisis
Forced displacement has become a tragic reality for tens of thousands of Tigrayans in Western Tigray. Families are driven from their homes by threat of violence and are forced to seek safety in other regions or in neighboring countries. Many fled on foot, carrying only what they could manage, while others were transported in overcrowded trucks or buses, often being dropped off in unfamiliar or hostile areas. Refugee camps in Sudan and other border regions are now home to thousands who have nowhere else to go. The living conditions in these camps are often dire: poor sanitation, insufficient food supplies, and lack of medical care are common problems. The sense of uncertainty is overwhelming, especially for those who do not know if or when they can ever return home.
Effects on Families and Children
The effects of the crisis on families and children are particularly severe. Many children have been separated from their parents during chaotic displacements or detentions, while others have witnessed traumatic acts of violence. For children, the loss of family, home, and a sense of safety has led to high levels of fear and anxiety. Families are frequently split apart as adults are detained or killed, and children are left in the care of relatives or strangers. Educational opportunities have disappeared for most, with schools destroyed, closed, or too dangerous to attend. The lack of basic resources and support further harms these children’s physical and mental health. Despair and uncertainty shadow the futures of countless young people in Western Tigray, as they try to cope with lives upended by conflict and displacement.
Human Rights Violations and Legal Implications
Definition and Evidence of Ethnic Cleansing
Definition and evidence of ethnic cleansing in Western Tigray have become a major concern for rights groups and international organizations. Ethnic cleansing usually means the deliberate and systematic removal of an ethnic group from a certain area by violent and oppressive means. In Western Tigray, many reports from credible sources like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented large-scale expulsions, killings, and destruction of property targeting Tigrayan civilians.
Evidence of ethnic cleansing in the region includes mass forced displacement, confiscation of land and homes, the use of hate speech targeting Tigrayans, and numerous witness testimonies describing threats like “we don’t want to see a Tigrayan here.” Lists of expelled residents, destroyed documents, and coordinated campaigns to detain and remove people are also widely reported. Satellite imagery has supported claims of village destruction and population movements. All of this shows a clear, planned effort to permanently change the ethnic make-up of Western Tigray.
Documented War Crimes and Abuses
Documented war crimes and abuses have shocked observers since the conflict began in late 2020. War crimes are serious violations of the international rules of war, such as murder, torture, and rape, especially against civilians. Multiple organizations, including United Nations investigators, have reported that Tigrayan civilians have faced extrajudicial killings, mass detentions, sexual violence, torture, and starvation tactics in Western Tigray. There are also credible reports of summary executions and forced disappearance.
Human Rights Watch, for example, has detailed instances where Amhara militia and security forces, with support or permission from Ethiopian federal authorities, engaged in widespread attacks against Tigrayan villagers. Mass graves and body dumps have been found, and survivors have described horrific abuse in detention centers, including beatings and denial of food and medical help. Such abuses may meet the criteria for crimes against humanity under international law.
Lack of Accountability and Judicial Responses
Lack of accountability and judicial responses has made the crisis in Western Tigray worse. Despite overwhelming documentation of atrocities, there has been little to no prosecution or investigation into the actions of those responsible. The Ethiopian government has denied or downplayed reports of ethnic cleansing and war crimes, often calling them misinformation or the result of “fake news.”
Most local and national courts have been unable or unwilling to address the crimes, partly due to fear, official pressure, or lack of independence. Victims have rarely seen justice, and some are too afraid to report abuses. This culture of impunity has encouraged further violence and allowed those responsible to act without fear of punishment. Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the government and the judiciary to launch credible, independent investigations but so far, real action is missing.
International Law and UN Involvement
International law and UN involvement are both critical in responding to the ongoing violations. According to international law, especially the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the kinds of abuses reported in Western Tigray—like mass expulsions, murder, and torture—are strictly forbidden. Acts of ethnic cleansing and related crimes are considered grave breaches and must be investigated.
The UN has called for unrestricted access to Western Tigray to allow independent monitoring and humanitarian aid. The UN Human Rights Council and other UN bodies have raised alarms about possible crimes against humanity being committed. International pressure has grown for an impartial inquiry and even for referral to the International Criminal Court. However, so far, action has mostly been limited to statements and calls for peace, while diplomatic efforts have made only limited progress.
The situation in Western Tigray clearly shows a deep gap between international legal standards and what is happening on the ground, putting thousands of lives and communities at risk. The responsibility to protect civilians remains with the global community, but efforts must be stronger and more urgent if justice and safety are to return to the region.
Ethiopian Government’s Reactions
Ethiopian Government’s reactions to the ongoing crisis in Western Tigray remain highly controversial and worrying. According to multiple recent 2024 human rights reports, the government continues to focus mostly on military responses—such as counterinsurgency campaigns against militia groups like Fano in the Amhara Region—while not directly addressing credible accusations of ethnic cleansing and widespread abuses in Western Tigray. High-level statements often deny or downplay the scale of the atrocities. Officials sometimes refuse access to independent investigators and journalists, creating a lack of transparency. Despite various peace agreements, the reality on the ground in 2024 shows ongoing displacement and human rights violations. This defensive posture and denial by authorities continue to be a major obstacle for justice and reconciliation efforts. International observers note that government forces and their allies, along with local militias, are still implicated in systematic abuses, leaving survivors and displaced Tigrayans with little hope for accountability.
Efforts by Human Rights Organizations
Efforts by human rights organizations in response to the ethnic cleansing in Western Tigray have been tireless but often face significant resistance from the government. Groups like Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International, and the United Nations Human Rights Office have published strong reports in 2024 documenting violence, forced displacement, and discrimination targeting Tigrayans. These organizations have repeatedly called for independent investigations and an end to impunity, as well as for the extension of international commissions to monitor ongoing abuses. Some NGOs, like the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and Physicians for Human Rights, are also urging the UN Human Rights Council to maintain strong scrutiny of the Ethiopian situation. Human rights defenders continue to face obstruction by authorities, but they persist in advocacy, documentation, and support for survivors. Their ongoing efforts pressure the international community not to ignore the crisis and underline the urgent need for humanitarian access and legal accountability.
Role of the African Union and Regional Bodies
Role of the African Union (AU) and other African regional bodies in tackling the Western Tigray crisis has so far been described as muted and largely ineffective. In 2024, the AU has closely monitored the situation and sometimes issued statements of concern, but it has been criticized for its lack of strong, direct intervention. The AU faced challenges in mediating a deeper peace and has not managed to hold perpetrators to account or provide robust protection for vulnerable populations. Some reports highlight that analysts believe the AU’s cautious diplomatic approach is intended to protect its relationship with Addis Ababa, the host of its headquarters. Meanwhile, other regional organizations have highlighted humanitarian needs and called for peace, but there is clear frustration among civil society that the AU’s Peace and Security Council and its monitoring missions have not stopped the abuses or facilitated real accountability on the ground. The lack of stronger action from regional bodies leaves many Tigrayans feeling abandoned.
International Pressure and Diplomatic Actions
International pressure and diplomatic actions regarding the atrocities in Tigray have increased, but results are limited so far. Countries such as the United States and members of the European Union have condemned the continued ethnic cleansing and grave human rights abuses in Western Tigray in their 2024 public statements and reports. These governments, along with the United Nations, have called for full humanitarian access, an end to forced displacement, and credible investigations into war crimes. Some sanctions and aid suspensions have been put in place, attempting to push the Ethiopian authorities to comply with international law. However, real diplomatic leverage remains weak, and many humanitarian agencies warn that without more unified and robust international action, the situation will not improve. The need for ongoing global attention remains urgent, as survivors and displaced persons still face insecurity, blocked aid, and lack of justice.
Security and Safety of Displaced Tigrayans
The security and safety of displaced Tigrayans in western Tigray remain deeply concerning in 2024. Reports from Human Rights Watch and the U.S. State Department show that displaced Tigrayans still face threats from both state and non-state actors, including Amhara regional forces, militias, and sometimes even federal troops. The 2024 Human Rights Practice Report highlights ongoing dangers such as arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and threats of violence against Tigrayans attempting to return or even those still displaced within Ethiopia.
Western Tigray is considered one of the least secure areas for displaced Tigrayans, as many of the groups responsible for earlier violence remain present. As noted by both the UK Home Office and field reports, neither the Eritrean forces nor many local militias have been demobilized or removed. The CoHA (Cessation of Hostilities Agreement) reduced some fighting but did not establish conditions for safe, voluntary, and dignified return for displaced people. Many Tigrayans continue to live in fear, in makeshift camps or urban areas hundreds of kilometers from home, with little hope for true safety or freedom of movement.
Risks of Renewed Violence
Risks of renewed violence in western Tigray and surrounding regions are high and ongoing. Analysis from the Soufan Center and international reporting in 2025 warn that unresolved rivalries, the presence of multiple armed groups, and unresolved territorial control make the region a potential flashpoint. After a temporary lull, recent months have seen reports of new attacks, escalating rhetoric from political actors, and even movements of armed militias. The danger is not just from organized military clashes but also from targeted ethnic violence, which has historically affected Tigrayan civilians the most.
According to Human Rights Watch, incidents of sexual violence, arbitrary detention, and intimidation remain reported, especially against those seen as trying to reclaim property or land. The threat is that even small conflicts between militia groups or local authorities could escalate into broader violence, putting all civilians—especially returning or displaced Tigrayans—at grave risk. The International Crisis Group and other observers stress a lack of accountability for past abuses, which continues to fuel tensions and fear of future violence.
Prospects for Reconciliation and Safe Return
Prospects for reconciliation and the safe return of displaced Tigrayans are fragile. Some small groups of internally displaced persons (IDPs) began returning to northern parts of Tigray in mid-2024, but reports from Omna Tigray and Addis Standard warn that these returns are not always truly voluntary or safe. Community leaders and advocacy groups express concern that returns are sometimes forced or happen before security, basic needs, and justice are secured.
The implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement has brought some progress, but critical issues remain unaddressed. Many Tigrayan IDPs continue to demand guarantees for their safety, access to justice, compensation for lost property, and the right to return in dignity. The humanitarian and human rights situation, unresolved territorial disputes, and active presence of hostile groups make actual reconciliation and safe return unlikely for most in the near future. International observers, including the UN, emphasize that without political will for dialogue and protection of minority rights, a sustainable solution will remain out of reach.
Humanitarian Needs and Aid Access
Humanitarian needs in western Tigray are still enormous and largely unmet. According to OCHA and the latest Humanitarian Needs Overview, displaced and returning Tigrayans face extreme shortages of food, shelter, medical care, and livelihood support. Nutrition rates are dangerously low. As of early 2024, hundreds of thousands remain in need of basic assistance, including women and children suffering from malnutrition.
Humanitarian access remains a key problem. The presence of foreign and militia forces, ongoing insecurity, and bureaucratic restrictions make it extremely difficult for aid agencies to reach those most in need. Reports from UN agencies and NGOs in 2024 show that contested areas along the Tigray-Amhara border are almost completely cut off from regular food and health assistance. Aid worker safety is also a major concern, with fatalities reported this year. Until security improves and authorities guarantee unfettered access, humanitarian relief efforts will remain hampered, and those most vulnerable—displaced Tigrayans—will continue to suffer the most.