The Tigray War began with coordinated assaults by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on Ethiopian military command centers in the northern Tigray region. The conflict's roots trace back to deep-seated political tensions between the TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's ruling coalition for nearly three decades, and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. The relationship soured dramatically after Abiy came to power in 2018 and initiated sweeping reforms, which marginalized the TPLF and restricted its influence. This discontent simmered, resulting in rising hostilities and growing fears of federal military action against Tigray, exacerbating the political schism.

On November 4, 2020, the TPLF executed their planned offensive, striking Ethiopian military bases with well-coordinated attacks, claiming to defend their region against what they perceived as a federal threat. In response, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency and launched a military campaign to restore order, leading to a brutal conflict characterized by widespread violence, reported atrocities, and a severe humanitarian crisis. This set the stage for further escalations over the coming years, drawing international attention to the unfolding crisis in Tigray.

Conflict soon spread beyond Tigray's borders, drawing in neighboring countries, including Eritrea, which supported the Ethiopian government. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations struggled to address the burgeoning refugee crisis and provide aid to impacted civilians within Tigray. The international community expressed concerns about human rights abuses and called for reconciliatory efforts, as casualties mounted and the region faced dire humanitarian challenges.