Federal control of Alamata will deepen rather than resolve Ethiopia's territorial conflict with Tigray

Body of rules, treaties, and customary norms governing relations between sovereign states and other international actors. Provides the legal framework for diplomacy, armed conflict, trade, human rights, and the functioning of international institutions — enforced through courts, arbitration, and state compliance.

Tigrayan forces seized three airports and clashed with Ethiopian federal troops on 23 September, signalling a major new offensive and further unravelling the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement. The participation of other alliance members remains unclear, while Ethiopia's allegation of Eritrean support is denied by Eritrea. The African Union urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to refrain from actions that could undermine regional stability after diplomatic expulsions involving the three countries; allegations of foreign support for combatants remain unestablished.