Ethiopian Opposition Against Tigrei Unilateral Ceasefire Announced City Was Now Following Their Control.

Ethiopian government announces ceasefire in the War-torn Tigrei region when rebel fighters claim control of the regional capital Mekel. Locals reported encouraging sights with thousands of people in the streets waving flags and setting off fireworks.

The Ethiopian government has not confirmed the city's disappearance nearly eight months after the Tigrayan rebels were ousted. The conflict has plunged the region into a deep humanitarian crisis. More than five million people are in desperate need of food aid, the United Nations says, and 350,000 are at risk of starvation.

The Ethiopian government launched an offensive last November to topple the Tigre People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The party had significant ramifications with Prime Minister Abi Ahmed over political changes in the country's ethnically based federal system. However, the TPLF's takeover of the military base in Tigrei was what sparked the invasion.

All parties were charged with massacres and human rights violations, and thousands of people were killed. Monday's events were followed by reports of increased fighting between the TPLF and government forces outside Mekel. However, TPLF spokesman Getachu Reda later told Reuters the city was now under their control.

Two witnesses told Reuters that Tigrian soldiers had been spotted in Mekel. In contrast, an unnamed source told AFP that "everyone" left the transitional government because the rebels were "covered on all sides." "The region has no government," the official said.

Locals told them they were celebrating the withdrawal of federal troops. A witness was quoted as saying by AFP, "Everyone in front of their houses. Everyone is excited and has music in the streets. Everyone has their flag, and music is playing."

The Ethiopian government has not commented on reports of its troop withdrawal. But in a statement on state television, he said the ceasefire would "last until the end of the agricultural season" so aid could reach those in need and make room for a political solution.

The TPLF did not comment on the ceasefire.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he had spoken to the Ethiopian Prime Minister and hoped for a ceasefire. "Civilians must be protected, humanitarian aid reaches people in need, and political solutions are found," he said in a statement.