The Horn Digest

US Lifts Sanctions on Eritrean Defense Forces

The United States lifted sanctions on the Eritrean Defense Forces and other Eritrean entities on Friday. Analysts say the move could boost US ties with Eritrea given its strategic location along the Red Sea shipping route.

The Treasury Department announced the decision in a notice on its website. The Eritrean government welcomed the move. Meanwhile, the war in the Middle East has expanded, drawing increased attention to the Red Sea.

Asmara Faces Accusations and Maintains Sudan Contacts

Addis Ababa directly accused Asmara of financial ties to the new anti-Abiy Ethiopian coalition. At the same time, Eritrea maintained close high-level diplomatic contacts with Sudanese military leadership.

Drone Strike Hits Aid Convoy in Tigray

On 20 September 2026, a drone struck a humanitarian aid truck in northwestern Tigray. The convoy carried more than 41 metric tons of food assistance. The attack injured a 13-year-old girl and destroyed the relief consignment.

The Tigray Mass Media Agency reported the strike occurred in Maychew, Southern Tigray. According to the outlet, the attack also damaged residential property. Local reports indicate that injured individuals reached a city hospital. However, the total casualty count remains unspecified.

Armed Groups Form Unified Coalition

Seven armed groups and political parties announced a unified coalition on Sunday. Members include the TPLF, FANO, and the OLA. The alliance calls itself the “Cooperation of Ethiopian People’s Forces for Survival.”

The coalition aims to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. Moreover, member organizations outlined a shared strategy. They seek to establish an inclusive transitional administration to replace the Prosperity Party. Regional media outlets in Tigray broadcast the announcement.

Ethiopia Suspends Tigray TV Indefinitely

The Ethiopian Media Authority suspended Tigray TV indefinitely. The regulator accused the regional broadcaster of threatening national security and inciting public conflict.

In a statement released in Addis Ababa, the authority said the suspension took effect immediately. The decision followed systematic content monitoring evaluations, according to the same statement.

TPLF Seizes Airport as Conflict Escalates

TPLF forces seized control of Alula Aba Nega Airport. Additionally, they abducted federal police personnel. The seizure triggered sweeping flight suspensions as fighting escalated along the Afar boundary.

Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Northern Flights

Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire effective Wednesday, 23 September. The carrier cited the current situation in the region.

In its 23 September statement, the airline apologized to passengers for the inconvenience. It also pledged to notify customers once flights resume.

US Ambassador Condemns TPLF Offensive

On 23 September, US Ambassador Ervin J. Massinga condemned a new TPLF military offensive. He warned that Washington retains tools to impose additional sanctions on leaders who derail peace efforts.

In an official statement, Massinga expressed deep disappointment with the TPLF leadership. He described the large-scale offensive in Tigray and Afar as a poor decision and an unwinnable conflict.

Electoral Talks End Without Agreement

Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups concluded talks without a political agreement, according to local media reports on 23 September. Consequently, no national consensus emerged on the electoral process.

The opposition Future Council agreed to discuss direct elections. Nevertheless, critical disagreements remain over how the vote will be administered and implemented.

Farmaajo Urges Inclusive National Dialogue

Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo issued an open letter on 24 September. He urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to convene an inclusive national dialogue on the voting process.

UN Support Office to Begin Operations in 2027

The United Nations Support Office in Somalia will begin operations in January 2027. This timeline temporarily averts an abrupt cutoff of logistical support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

The delayed start offers a brief reprieve from the UN mandate’s expiration on 31 December 2026. However, it confirms Washington’s hardline stance on phasing out its financial backing for the $500 million logistics framework.

Somaliland President Pursues Diplomatic Advocacy

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi engaged in diplomatic advocacy in Washington and New York in mid-to-late September. His agenda focused on international recognition, security, and trade positioning.

US Withholds Visa for Sudanese Army Chief

The United States withheld a visa for Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The decision preceded his scheduled visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, according to Reuters.

Washington made his attendance contingent on his agreement to a 90-day ceasefire.

Sudan Rejects US Statement on Legitimacy

Sudan’s foreign ministry rejected a US assertion that neither side in the civil conflict represents a legitimate government. The ministry stated on 23 September that peace talks must not validate territory seized by the Rapid Support Forces.

RSF Attack Kills Five in North Kordofan

An RSF attack on a gold mining market in North Kordofan killed five people and wounded dozens on 21 September. Both sides massed troops ahead of an anticipated battle.

The violence followed the army’s largest offensive in months across western North Kordofan. During that operation, the military claimed it regained control of dozens of villages.

Northern Ethiopia Risks a Return to Civil War

Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia threatens a return to civil war after four years of relative peace. On Thursday, the Ethiopian National Defense Force stated it killed hundreds of Tigray fighters and captured many others. The military described its activity as a counter-attack.

Fighting is also escalating in Amhara and Afar. This escalation follows the announcement of a unified political-military coalition by seven armed groups. Several federal drone strikes have compounded the tension. Taken together, these developments signal intensifying conflict and heightened regional instability.