Ethiopia: government counter-offensive, Addis Ababa catches its breath

An Ethiopian federal soldier after completing his training in Dabat, northeast of Gondar, September 14, 2021. © Amanuel Sileshi, AFP

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Are we witnessing another reversal of the situation in Ethiopia?

The Tigrayan rebels and their coalition had recently approached within 200 km of Addis Ababa, posing a threat to the capital.

But for several days, the government has been engaged in a large counter-offensive which seems to be pushing the Tigrayan forces to withdraw.

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With our correspondent in Addis Ababa,

A dozen towns have reportedly been taken from the Tigrayan rebels, a government spokesman assured this Wednesday, December 1.

Among them, some are strategic, such as Chifra on the Eastern Front, Shewa Robit on the Southern Front and Gashena on the Western Front. 

However, it is difficult to verify this progress because of the cut in telecommunications.

But it would confirm the government's counter-offensive, which has notably stepped up its drone strikes in recent days.

The advance could also be due to the significant mobilization of militiamen, especially in Afar and Amhara regions. 

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Coordinated withdrawal of Tigrayian forces

According to a source close to the Tigrayan rebels, these battles are in fact the result of a coordinated withdrawal of the Tigrayan defense forces.

Indeed, its supply lines are stretched for hundreds of kilometers and the Tigrayan commanders fear drone strikes. 

This turnaround is a game-changer in Ethiopia, at least in the short term.

The capital Addis Ababa is now out of reach.

The Chinese Foreign Minister also made a short visit on Wednesday to the capital, opposing what he qualifies as interference by certain countries in Ethiopia's internal affairs.

Another city that the Tigrayan rebels would have abandoned, Lalibela, and its Orthodox Churches inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list.

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