The Government of Tigray has issued a strong statement condemning the alleged involvement of foreign mercenaries in Ethiopia’s renewed military campaign against Tigray. The statement raises serious concerns over the reported direct participation of foreign fighters alongside Ethiopian federal forces, condemns the atrocities committed against civilians, and calls for an immediate end to foreign military involvement. It also urges the international community to investigate those facilitating these activities and ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.
The Government of Regional State of Tigray
Office of the President
Date: 6 November 2026
Statement Condemning Atrocities Committed by Foreign Mercenaries in Tigray
The genocidal regime in Ethiopia continues to wage its devastating war against the people of Tigray, employing every means at its disposal to sustain its campaign of aggression and destruction. Repeated drone strikes, aerial bombardments, and indiscriminate artillery attacks have killed innocent civilians, including women and children, and caused extensive destruction of property and infrastructure, civilians are recently massacred at Chila and Rama towns. Widespread looting, arbitrary detention, intimidation, and harassment have become instruments of repression intended to undermine the resilience of the people of Tigray.
The involvement of foreign mercenaries is neither new nor unprecedented. During the devastating war of 2020–2022, foreign personnel were involved in operating drones, providing military advice, and supporting operations that resulted in grave atrocities against the people of Tigray.
Of even greater concern is the reported expansion of foreign mercenary involvement in the regime's renewed military campaign. Their activities are no longer confined to operating sophisticated weapons systems remotely or providing technical assistance. Foreign mercenaries are now participating directly alongside federal forces on various battlefronts. Their involvement represents a disturbing escalation of foreign interference in Ethiopia's internal conflict.
The Government of Tigray and the Tigray Security Forces strongly condemn this involvement. We wish to make it unequivocally clear that the activities of foreign mercenaries are being documented and that individuals implicated in atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law must face accountability.
We therefore call upon all foreign mercenaries participating in these hostilities to immediately cease their involvement, withdraw from military operations, and leave the country. Those who continue to participate expose themselves to the dangers of armed conflict and potential criminal responsibility for unlawful acts. Financial incentives cannot justify participation in atrocities, nor can foreign nationality or contractual arrangements provide immunity from accountability.
Participation in a conflict that has already inflicted immeasurable suffering upon innocent civilians constitutes a profound disregard for human dignity. Those responsible for recruiting, financing, deploying, or otherwise facilitating such activities must also face international scrutiny.
We call upon the international community to take immediate and decisive action. The involvement of foreign mercenaries in atrocities against the people of Tigray must be publicly condemned.
We further urge the international community to investigate foreign governments, organizations, and individuals involved in facilitating these activities. Any state or individual found responsible for aiding or abetting war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, or other grave violations of international law must be held accountable in accordance with applicable legal standards.
The continued involvement of foreign mercenaries risks further internationalizing of the Tigray war, intensifying civilian suffering, and undermining prospects for peace. The international community must not remain indifferent while foreign actors contribute to the devastation of Tigray.
The Government of Tigray reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting its people, pursuing justice, and establishing durable peace. We call upon the international community to uphold its obligations, reject impunity, and take meaningful measures to prevent further atrocities.
The people of Tigray deserve peace, security, dignity, and justice. Those responsible for their suffering, whether domestic or foreign, must not escape accountability.
Peace and Justice to the People of Tigray!
The Government of Regional State of Tigray
Office of the President