Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warns that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears imminent, with Tigray likely to become the battleground. He highlights the deterioration of the peace process since the Pretoria agreement and urges for last-minute efforts to avert conflict, warning of its severe consequences for regional stability.
In a recent statement, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warned of an imminent war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, indicating that preparations for conflict are in their final stages. He expressed concerns that Tigray may become the central battleground in this potential escalation. The general cautioned that the conflict could also extend to affect neighboring nations such as Sudan and the Red Sea region.
Tsadkan highlighted the diminishing prospects for peace following the Pretoria peace agreement and noted tensions between Addis Abeba and Asmara have been escalating. He accused Eritrea of engaging in predatory behavior aimed at leveraging power against Ethiopia and Sudan and warned of its intentions against Tigray, which it perceives as a significant barrier to its ambitions.
The general also pointed out that internal divisions within Tigray might further complicate efforts to maintain stability. He expressed concerns that factions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) might align themselves with Eritrea amidst fear of accountability for their actions. He characterized their pursuit of power as indifferent to the plight of the Tigray population.
Additionally, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome expressed similar fears, claiming President Isaias Afwerki is exploiting divisions within the TPLF to destabilize the peace agreement. Mulatu warned this could potentially reignite conflict in northern Ethiopia, undermining the ongoing peace efforts.
Eritrea, however, has dismissed these accusations, with Information Minister Yemane G. Meskel referring to them as unfounded claims aimed at justifying a militaristic agenda. Eritrea contended that Ethiopia’s internal challenges are independent of external influences and emphasized that the tensions should be regarded as an internal Ethiopian issue.
Tsadkan underscores that the consequences of renewed conflict would be catastrophic, fundamentally altering the current geopolitical landscape of the region. He predicted significant political shifts in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea if international focus remains diverted from these critical issues.
He urged that Tigray’s best course of action is to prevent war and advocate for adherence to the Pretoria peace agreement. Tsadkan implored the Ethiopian government and international stakeholders to take immediate steps to prevent another catastrophic conflict. He cautioned that if peace efforts fail, achieving a prompt resolution through military or diplomatic means would be essential for the well-being of Tigray and the broader region.
In summary, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae has highlighted the urgent threat of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, suggesting that the risk to regional stability is substantial. The call for peace and adherence to the Pretoria agreement resonates amidst growing tensions and internal divisions within Tigray. Urgent diplomatic interventions are needed to avert a potentially devastating conflict in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
