Tigray: CBE Mobile Banking Services Reportedly Disrupted as Conflict Escalates

Wegahta reports that mobile banking services of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia have been disrupted for accounts opened in Tigray, with customers saying they are unable to send or receive money. A resident of Mekelle told Wegahta that people are concerned about how they will manage everyday payments for food, medicine and essential services if the service remains unavailable, as access to physical cash has become more difficult. As of publication the bank had not publicly explained the disruption or announced when normal service would resume. The disruption is ongoing on 26 September 2026 and comes amid the telecommunications disruption that began late on 24 September and the suspension of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire on 23 September.

The BBC reported that since the fighting erupted banking services in Tigray have been suspended by the government, that cash had already been scarce in the region for months, and that internet access has also been cut, though it is not clear who ordered that closure.