The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia faces a possible resurgence into civil war, with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) reclaiming control of significant areas. Internal party divisions and external allegations against Egypt and Eritrea prompted urgent calls for international intervention to maintain stability and uphold peace agreements. The situation is critical as local leaders seek to navigate a path toward conflict avoidance amidst increasing military tensions.
The ongoing Tigray conflict in Ethiopia is in jeopardy of escalating into a new civil war, nearly two and a half years post-Pretoria agreements that initially quelled hostilities. Recently, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) regained control of Adigrate city, dismissing the provisional administration established by the federal government. This move signifies a resurgence of the TPLF, now split into two factions, one led by Getachew Reda and the other by Debretsion Gebremichael, who is perceived as more radical.
Following the recapture of Adigrate, TPLF forces have taken control of Mekele’s airport and are actively seeking to reorganize other local governance structures. This offensive coincided with the removal of four senior military commanders from the Ethiopian army, accused of plotting an internal conflict in Tigray. The TPLF aims to replace the interim administration imposed by the federal government in 2022.
Regional president Getachew Reda has appealed for federal government intervention, claiming the current military actions are being conducted by a rogue faction. His plea to ambassadors of major Western nations reiterated the necessity for diplomatic engagement to avert further conflict in Tigray. Reda criticized the military advances as unlawful attempts by a few officers to dismantle the established governance.
In a counter-petition, the breakaway TPLF faction rejected claims for external intervention, stating such actions threaten the integrity of the Pretoria Agreement. They condemned the recent military leadership changes as illegitimate, asserting the TPLF remains essential for peace in Tigray. Accusations have also emerged from this faction against local officials for undermining Tigrayan interests under external pressure.
Despite rising tensions, local opposition parties have aligned with the interim administration, accusing the TPLF’s faction of coup-like ambitions. They have called for international support to counter what they claim is Eritrea’s and Egypt’s meddling in Tigray’s politics, exacerbating the instability. The opposition underscored the urgent need for global stakeholders to intervene to inhibit further foreign influence and ensure adherence to peace agreements.
Behind this escalating crisis, accusations have been directed at Egypt and Eritrea, both alleged to support factions opposing the current Ethiopian government. Speculation implicating military leaders in gold smuggling to Eritrea strengthens claims of external involvement in Tigray’s internal dynamics, while Eritrea’s denials fuel ongoing distrust. Additionally, previous allegations have linked Egypt to military assistance for the TPLF during past conflicts, highlighting a precarious balance of power in the region.
The Tigray conflict’s resurgence presents a complex situation potentially leading to broader regional instability. The internal rifts within the TPLF, alongside external influences from Egypt and Eritrea, exacerbate tensions in Ethiopia. Calls for intervention from both the interim government and the opposition illustrate the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to avert further violence and preserve peace efforts in Tigray. The political landscape remains fragile, with significant implications for the future of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
