The Tigray War and the African Union

The ongoing war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has resulted in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in a decade. The escalating conflict has led to the death and displacement of thousands of civilians, raised ethnic tensions in Ethiopia, and caused a food crisis that could lead to widespread famine. Much can be said about this conflict—how it revolves around models of governance and conflicting visions of self-determination, and how its impact will be felt across the region. Here, we look at the short-term causes of this war, highlighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s strategic errors, in light of long-standing debates about Ethiopian statehood and ethno-federalism. We also examine the role of the African Union in this conflict, including the debate between Realist and Liberal scholars about the African Union’s agency.