Debretsion Gebremichael

Force in Play

Leads TPLF as part of the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for ending a 20-year standoff with Eritrea. Now he's publicly accusing Eritrean troops of massacring Ethiopian civilians during their joint war against Tigray—a war they fought together as allies.

Updated Oct 16

Force in Play

As of October 2026: TPLF chairman; his forces declared a new war with the federal government on September 23

Seven Ethiopian armed groups announced a joint coalition on September 20, linking rebel movements from the country's largest regions under one banner. Three days later, Tigrayan leaders declared a new war with the federal government, and fighting has since spread into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions.

Updated Oct 5