After capturing Mekelle, the regional capital of Ethiopia, rebel fighters in Tigray continue to gain ground.According to UN officials, the rebels are now in Shire, which is about 140km (90 mi) north-west.The city was abandoned by the Eritrean troops that were supporting the Ethiopian army.The ceasefire was declared by the government in the eight-month-old conflict. However, the rebels promised to drive their "enemies", Tigray.Thousands of people have been killed in fighting between government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.Over two million people have been forced to flee their homes and 350,000 are heading towards famine.November was when rebels resisted political reforms and seized army bases. Later that month, Mekelle was captured by the government forces.On Tuesday, celebrations broke out in the capital following the rapid offensive by rebels. The central government declared a "humanitarian ceasefire in the region."Recent weeks have seen an increase in fighting between government troops, Tigrayan rebels and the military.Getachew Reda, a rebel spokesman, told Reuters that Tigrayan fighters would "destroy" the enemy by entering Eritrea or the Ethiopian region Amhara - whose militias also support government forces.He stated, "We must ensure that the enemy... does not have the capability of threatening the security of our citizens anymore."Although the status of Eritrean troops is not known, a Shire resident told Reuters that Eritreans were moving towards the border.According to the International Crisis Group, rebels now control most of the region.What is the turning point?Vivienne Nunis BBC News, NairobiPrime Minister Abiy Ahmad seems to have few options when he unilaterally declared ceasefire after rebels seized control of Mekelle.Continue the storyThe government of Addis Ababa is trying to save face by framing this decision as a "humanitarian" decision.What now? So what now?The international community will monitor the situation closely to determine if the ceasefire is a turning moment and, in particular, if humanitarian groups are allowed to travel in the region in order to provide food supplies to millions of people in dire need.Tigray - The basicsEthiopia is divided into 10 regions based on ethnicity. They are described as being largely autonomous but having central institutions.After anti-government protests in 2018, Abiy Ahmed assumed the role of PM and implemented reformsTigray's most northern state, Tigray, was accused by powerful politicians of Abiy trying to increase federal powerThe relationship deteriorated further when the government accused Tigrayan rebels attacking military bases. In November, the Ethiopian army entered the country.In November, Mr Abiy declared that the conflict was over. However, fighting continued ahead of the national elections scheduled for 21 June.All parties to the conflict were accused of mass killings, and other human rights violations.Robert Godec, a senior US official from the State Department, stated Tuesday that Washington will not tolerate the "horrifying atrocities” being committed in Tigray.Ned Price, spokesperson for the State Department, said that the truce declaration could be a positive step if it leads to steps to "end conflict, stop atrocities and allow unhindered humanitarian aid".The UN stated that there was a situation in northern Ethiopia of famine - something Ethiopia denies.
