Tigray Authorities Deny Mercenary Involvement in Sudanese Conflict

Tigray, Ethiopia - Authorities in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have categorically denied allegations of their involvement as mercenaries in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions since last year.

The denial comes in response to accusations from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, claiming that forces loyal to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), part of Tigray's ruling coalition, are actively participating in combat alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias.

The RSF asserts that they have "documented evidence" to support their claims.

However, the Interim Administration of Tigray has issued a strong rebuttal, stating it “vehemently denies, and strongly condemns, baseless claims,” made by the RSF. This exchange highlights the tense and complex relationships between neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa, which have been exacerbated by ongoing internal conflicts.

During the 2020-2022 war in northern Ethiopia, many Ethiopians from Tigray sought refuge in Sudan, escaping the intense fighting and humanitarian crisis in their region. Among them were hundreds of former UN peacekeepers who have sought asylum in Sudan, fearing persecution upon returning to Ethiopia.

Historically, there have been allegations from Addis Ababa accusing the Sudanese army of arming and training TPLF forces, which Sudan has consistently denied.

The current accusations by the RSF emerge as Tigray authorities announce plans to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Tigrayan refugees to territories bordering Sudan, which were captured by Amhara fighters during the Tigray conflict.

Observers note that the conflict in Sudan has seen involvement from mercenaries of various nationalities, further complicating the dynamics of the war.

The situation remains fluid, with geopolitical implications that extend beyond the borders of Sudan and Ethiopia.