Tigray Security Improves, Yet Economic and Social Concerns Persist

Residents in Tigray report improved security conditions after the Ethiopian National Defense Force and regional peace forces secured major cities. However, severe economic challenges remain, including cash shortages, high inflation, and concerns over banditry. While banks have resumed services, residents state that daily survival remains difficult due to the looting of institutions during the conflict, ongoing drought, and transport disruptions. Basic commodity prices, such as teff and oil, remain prohibitively high.

Conversely, there has been a significant drop in fuel prices post-conflict, and public transportation services are slowly resuming in some areas. Despite these developments, residents note that mobility between cities and districts remains restricted, particularly near the Eritrean border where safety is still a concern. While some businesses are reopening, the overall sentiment remains a mix of relief over improved security and anxiety regarding future stability and economic recovery.