Fear of another prolonged conflict is driving residents of Ethiopia’s Tigray region to stockpile food, withdraw cash and search for medicines as renewed fighting spreads across northern Ethiopia.
In Mekelle and Adigrat, residents say memories of the 2020–2022 war are fueling fears that supplies, banking services and communications could once again be cut off.
Markets Come Under Pressure
Residents in Mekelle have rushed to markets to purchase flour, cooking oil and other basic items.
The sudden demand has contributed to higher prices, while some residents say essential goods are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Fuel prices have also reportedly jumped sharply. One resident said the price increased from about 400 birr per litre to 650 birr following the latest outbreak of fighting.
Adigrat residents have reported similar concerns, with some shops running short of food and medicines becoming increasingly expensive.
Cash Withdrawals Increase
The fear of another siege is also affecting banking activity.
Residents are withdrawing physical cash because they remember how banking and communication services were disrupted during the previous conflict.
The concern extends beyond money. People are also worried about electricity, telecommunications and the movement of food and other essential supplies.
Airports Seized as Fighting Escalates
The latest crisis intensified after Tigrayan forces took control of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire.
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to the three airports, citing the security situation in Tigray.
Fighting has also been reported in neighbouring Afar and Amhara, increasing concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Tigray.
Calls for Restraint
The renewed hostilities have prompted international calls for an immediate reduction in tensions.
The United Nations, European Union and African Union have urged the parties to de-escalate and return to the peace process that followed the 2020–2022 war.
The previous conflict caused a severe humanitarian crisis and killed hundreds of thousands of people, according to estimates cited by international reporting.
For residents now rushing to secure food and cash, the greatest fear is that history could repeat itself.
