Ethiopia’s Tigray officials requested federal help after a faction in the TPLF seized Adigrat, raising fears of renewed conflict. The TPLF, split into two factions, faces challenges in maintaining stability post-civil war. Getachew Reda urged federal support to uphold the Pretoria Agreement and avert further destruction.
On Wednesday, officials from Ethiopia’s Tigray region requested federal assistance after a faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) seized control of the town of Adigrat. This development raises concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict in a region still recovering from a brutal two-year civil war that concluded with a truce in November 2022, having resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
The TPLF, which heads Tigray’s interim administration established in 2023 under a peace agreement, has recently split into two factions, each claiming leadership. Getachew Reda, leader of one faction, reported that Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the opposing faction, had taken over the administration in Adigrat. Following this, Reda dismissed three senior army commanders who allegedly contributed to tensions within the region.
Reda articulated the urgency for federal intervention, stating, “The federal government must… understand that those acting in the name of the security forces are agents of a backward and criminal clique who do not represent the people or the Interim Administration of Tigray, and provide the necessary support.” He emphasized the importance of upholding the Pretoria Agreement to prevent further devastation in Tigray, warning against silence in light of escalating tensions.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region remains precarious following the TPLF’s internal division and the seizure of Adigrat. The request for federal intervention underscores the fragility of peace after a devastating civil war. Authorities are urged to act decisively to uphold agreements and support the region to avert further conflict.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
