Tensions between Eritrea and the Tigray region of Ethiopia threaten to escalate into conflict again, as Eritrean troops maintain significant control over Ethiopian territory and conduct operations that endanger civilians. Tsadkan Gebretensae, a top Tigray official, warns of the potential for war while emphasizing the need for restraint.
A soldier peers through his binoculars, observing two figures atop a distant hill, signaling the potential for renewed tensions between Eritrea and Tigray, a semi-autonomous region in northern Ethiopia. The Eritrean troops, which occupy a considerable portion of Ethiopian territory, pose a continual threat, conducting surveillance and abducting civilians near the border. Tsadkan Gebretensae, interim vice-president of Tigray and an experienced military commander, cautions, “Let them not start a war and we shall not go to war,” highlighting the precariousness of the situation and the risk of conflict escalation.
The region of Tigray in northern Ethiopia has been embroiled in conflict, particularly with Eritrea, which has historically claimed parts of Ethiopian territory. In recent years, an agreement was established to halt hostilities; however, it has also led to heightened tensions with Eritrean forces maintaining a substantial military presence within Ethiopian borders, raising concerns about a potential new outbreak of violence.
The circumstances surrounding the border tensions between Eritrea and Tigray remain volatile, with past agreements yielding fragile peace rather than stability. Military engagement and local sentiments hint at the possible rekindling of conflict if diplomatic measures are not taken. As local leaders express caution, the potential for war looms ominously over the region, emphasizing the urgent need for attention to the situation.
Original Source: www.economist.com
