# Ethiopia Takes Mekelle as Regional Leaders Convene

> Ethiopian forces capture Tigray's capital as Egypt hosts rivals to prevent regional war.
- Title: Ethiopia Takes Mekelle as Regional Leaders Convene · Allafrica
- Summary: Ethiopian forces capture Tigray's capital as Egypt hosts rivals to prevent regional war. Ethiopia regained control of Tigray's capital Mekelle after rebels…
- Keywords: ethiopia, tigray, mekelle, tplf, egypt, sudan, somalia, eritrea, african union, horns of africa, civil war, regional conflict
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610040094.html
- Published: 2026-10-04T16:37:18+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ethiopia, tigray, mekelle, tplf, egypt, sudan, somalia, eritrea, african union, horns of africa, civil war, regional conflict
## Ethiopia regains Mekelle
Ethiopian federal forces have regained control of the Tigray rebels' regional capital, local sources said on Sunday.
## TPLF retreats from Mekelle
The Tigray People's Liberation Front said it had retreated from the capital and that the regional government would be temporarily moved out of Mekelle.
## Regional rivals meet in Egypt
Egypt's presidents of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea were set to meet in Alamein to discuss the conflict.
## Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing rebels
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of directly backing the Tigray rebels, with the support of Sudan and Egypt, which all three countries deny.
## Rebels flee Mekelle
Pro-government militia fighters entered Mekelle on Saturday afternoon, followed by Ethiopian military forces.
## Local security concerns
Residents reported no police, organizing security after rebels withdrew, with looting of government offices and police headquarters.
## Regional war risk
Analysts warn the fighting threatens to escalate into a wider regional conflict, with the African Union urging restraint.
## Key takeaway

Ethiopia regained control of Tigray's capital Mekelle after rebels retreated, while Egypt's leaders meet to discuss escalation risks.