A peace deal between Tigrayan forces and the Ethiopian government, signed in November 2022, raised hopes that the war in northern Ethiopia—one of the world’s deadliest conflicts in recent years—was finally drawing to a close. Since the war erupted in November 2020, it has claimed at least
600,000
lives according to some estimates, and has left Tigray in ruins, with many Tigrayans struggling to
obtain basic needs and medical care
. Yet, despite the peace agreement and some tepid movement toward implementation, the situation remains tense, and there is much that stands in the way of lasting peace in the region.