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Abstract

This research article explains the ethical principles of the conflict in Tigray based on the Just War Theory. By using the descriptive qualitative methodology, this research article draws data from secondary sources which includes; academic journals, news reports, as well as international legal instruments to analyze the moral trajectory of the conflict. This research begins with jus ad bellum, to assess Ethiopia’s government justification in declaring conflict within Tigray. While the government fulfilled the criteria of just cause and legitimate authority, the question stands on the ambiguous political intentions and the failure to enact peaceful alternatives before resulting in waging conflict. This research article also analyzes under the principle of jus in bello, highlighting the collapse of ethical and moral conduct amidst conflict. This section documented a variety of human rights violations during conflict, like; the use of starvation and near-total communication blackouts. These activities impacted everyone in Tigray, not only those who are directly involved in conflict, which violates the core principle of Just War Theory where discrimination and proportionality are mandated during warfare. Lastly, this research article also evaluates through jus post bellum, focusing on post-war justice, accountability, and reconciliation. The lack of restorative measures negatively impacted Ethiopia’s government moral credibility. Overall, this article has found that despite meeting the some initial requirements to wage conflict in jus ad bellum, the conduct during and after the conflict all violated the principle of jus in bello and jus pos bellum. Thus making the conflict ethically indefensible all together and also shows a broader pattern of moral collapse in contemporary warfare.

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