Officials in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have requested federal intervention after a faction seized control of the town of Adigrat, raising fears of renewed conflict. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has split into rival factions, leading to tensions and accusations of attempts to provoke unrest. Getachew Reda, one faction leader, has called on the federal government for support to uphold the Pretoria Agreement and prevent further destruction.
On Wednesday, officials from Ethiopia’s Tigray region requested federal assistance following a recent seizure of the town of Adigrat by a faction of their main political party. This incident has raised concerns regarding a potential resurgence of conflict in a region still recovering from a devastating two-year war. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) manages Tigray’s interim administration, which was formed in 2023 as part of a peace agreement that ended the war previously fought against the federal government.
Since the truce was established in November 2022, following the conflict that claimed tens of thousands of lives, the TPLF has experienced a split into two factions vying for control of the party. Getachew Reda, leader of one faction and head of the interim administration, stated that rival leader Debretsion Gebremichael had forcibly assumed control over Adigrat the day before.
Confirming the takeover, Debretsion’s faction announced the event via their official Facebook page. Amidst the turmoil, Getachew took action by relieving three senior army commanders of their duties, accusing them of instigating unrest within the region. He expressed that, “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.”
Getachew further emphasized that the federal government should not remain passive while the Pretoria Agreement is undermined, warning that the people of Tigray could face another wave of devastation. Requests for comments from the Ethiopian government spokesperson, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office, and Debretsion went unanswered.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region remains tense as a factional dispute within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front escalates following the takeover of the town Adigrat. The regional leadership’s appeal for federal intervention highlights concerns about potential renewed conflict. As the Tigray administration calls for support, key political figures remain unresponsive, necessitating continued monitoring of regional developments to prevent further destabilization.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
