Tigray cancels Mawlid events as drone attack fears mount
Authorities in Ethiopia's Tigray region have called off Mawlid celebrations at the last minute due to concerns about drone strikes. The cancellation follows a similar decision for the Ashenda festival, as recent drone attacks in northern Ethiopia have heightened tensions between the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the federal government. The situation remains volatile, with the region on edge.
The cancellation of Mawlid observances marks the second major cultural event halted in Tigray within days, following the similar last-minute postponement of the Ashenda festival. Both decisions stem from fears of aerial drone attacks, after recent strikes hit northern Ethiopia amid escalating friction between the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the federal government. The region remains on high alert, with residents facing disrupted religious and communal traditions as security concerns override normal civic life. FRANCE 24 correspondent Tom Canetti filed the report from Addis Ababa, where the situation is being closely monitored.
The repeated cancellation of major festivals could deepen social fragmentation in Tigray, where religious and cultural gatherings serve as vital community touchpoints. Muslim residents marking Mawlid, alongside those anticipating Ashenda, may experience heightened anxiety and a sense of isolation as public life contracts under security threats. Broader regional stability could be affected if civilian fear translates into displacement or reduced trust in authorities' ability to ensure safety. The psychological toll on families and children, who lose normalcy and celebration, may linger well beyond the immediate security crisis.