Street celebrations in Ethiopia as rebels seized the capital of Tigray: What you need to know

Picture Courtesy: Politico Europe

1. Ethiopia's government has declared a ceasefire as the rebel fighters took over the capital of the region, Mekelle, after 8 months of the fight.

2. The former rulers of the Tigray region confirmed on Monday that they are back in the region.

3. The developments in the eight-month conflict marked the killing of thousands of people, displaced more than 2 million people, and pushed the country to the brink of famine.

4. The residents are celebrating on the streets.

5. Ethiopia's government said it was calling for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.

6. Earlier this month, the UN described the situation of famine in northern Ethiopia.

7. Since 1994 Ethiopia has had a federal system, but anti-government protests over many issues saw Abiy Ahmed become Prime Minister in 2018 following which he introduced many reforms.

8. The previous powerful politicians of Tigray accused Mr. Abiy of trying to increase centralized government. Relations worsened and the government accused these rebels of attacking military bases. Last November, Mr. Abiy declared conflict is over and there were elections on June 21, results for which are still awaited.