Tigray crisis: Local residents ordered to defend against Ethiopia army

Authorities in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region who say people must defend themselves from aggression from the federal government have ordered residents to mobilise.

Fears are growing of civil conflict in the east African country.

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed earlier rejected a request for peace talks from the Tigray authorities.

Hundreds have been killed in eight days of fighting between Tigray forces and the federal army.

Ethnic divisions have been rising in Ethiopia as some communities express their increased desire for self-government.

The country’s most powerful party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that rule the Tigray region has been feuding with Prime Minister Abiy since he came to power in 2018 and promised reform nationwide.