Tigray forces resurface in Sudan amid fragile Ethiopia peace

Members of Sudan's security forces patrol patrol the streets of Khartoum on June 6, 2019 after a deadly crackdown on a rally in the capital. [AFP]

Former Tigray rebel fighters have reportedly reappeared in eastern Sudan, raising fears of renewed tensions with Ethiopia and potential instability in the Horn of Africa.

Regional sources suggest Sudanese military units are tolerating the presence of Tigrayan elements near the Ethiopian border - a development observers warn could provoke a response from Addis Ababa.

Analysts say the reported alliance may complicate the fragile peace established in November 2022 between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

"This development could reopen old wounds and risks dragging the region back into conflict," said Nihad Mustafa, African Affairs Researcher.

"Any movement of armed Tigrayan elements into border areas would be watched closely by Ethiopia."

The Ethiopian government has previously voiced concern over the presence of Tigrayan factions in Sudan opposed to the Pretoria Agreement.

In 2024, officials in Addis Ababa reported intelligence suggesting such groups were operating from Sudanese territory.

During the two-year conflict that preceded the peace deal, Tigray forces were accused by Human Rights Watch and other organisations of committing abuses in both Ethiopia and Sudan.

These included violations against civilians and actions that worsened humanitarian conditions.

Military analysts note that Sudan's armed forces have historically worked with external militias during internal operations.

While Khartoum has not confirmed any collaboration with Tigrayan fighters, experts warn that any perceived alliance could destabilise ongoing regional peace efforts.

"The presence of former combatants operating in such proximity to Ethiopia is bound to escalate mistrust," added Mustafa.

Both Ethiopia and Sudan are facing internal turmoil and fragile transitions.

The re-emergence of cross-border armed movements, analysts say, risks further complicating a region already under pressure from political, economic, and humanitarian crises.