Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed gives Tigray 72 Hours to Surrender

In an increasingly escalating situation, Tigrayan forces have been given a 72 hour ultimatum to surrender before the Ethiopian federal military begins an offensive on Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray. Africa News reports that advancing Ethiopian troops plan to force the city to surrender by shelling it.

According to Africa News, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front said, in response, that it’s forces were digging trenches and standing firm. The region has thus far refused to surrender.

Tigrayan leaders say Tigrayans have been marginalized since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has took office two years ago. They say Tigrayans have been removed from senior roles in the government and the military.

Mediation efforts by the international community have failed, with the Prime Minister insisting that this was not a conflict or war but a law enforcement operation.

The conflict which began in early November has seen hundreds killed, with 30,000 having fled to neighboring Sudan.

Umm Muhammed Umar

The Middle East Report

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 17 April 2026 | 13:25 CAT 3-minute read Politics obstruct US-Iran nuclear deal The announcement of a ten-day agreement that aims to pause Israel’s intense six-week onslaught on Lebanon has brought a sense of relief to Beirut....

The Best Man For The Job?

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 16 April 2026 2-minute read Roelf Meyer has been appointed as South Africa’s ambassador to the US, sparking much debate following the turbulent relations between the two countries. While some feel that Meyer’s skin colour,...

The Asia Pacific Report

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 16 April 2026 | 13:16 CAT 3-minute read The conflict in Myanmar is worsening, with rising civilian deaths, displacement, and questions arising about whether recent political moves are bringing any peace. Reports point to...

US-Iran standoff: ‘Not negotiation, but strategic confrontation,’ warns Dr Al-Arian

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 15 April 2026 | 13:55 CAT 4-minute read As tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensify, questions are growing about whether diplomacy ever stood a chance. Dr Sami Al-Arian argues that what we are witnessing...

Surprise Outcome Of Hungary’s Elections

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 13 April 2026 2-minute read For the first time in 16 years, long-standing European leader Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat to his former acolyte Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party. Gábor Scheiring, Hungarian economist and...

Middle East Report

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 10 April 2026 | 12:50 CAT 3-minute read Israel Iran’s demands to include Lebanon in ceasefire can derail peace plans Confusion reigns over a fragile, Pakistan-mediated, two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran as talks...