Fears of renewed conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia, are rising due to infighting between factions. The local administration seeks federal assistance as tensions escalate with Eritrea. A prior peace agreement has not resulted in lasting stability, prompting international calls for dialogue to avert violence.
Fears are escalating regarding a potential resurgence of conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The administrator of Tigray has sought assistance from the federal government amid challenges from a rival faction, with international embassies urging for urgent dialogue to de-escalate the situation. The Tigray region was previously the focal point of a devastating conflict from 2020 to 2022 that resulted in an estimated 600,000 fatalities.
Despite a peace agreement in November 2022, stability remains elusive in Tigray. Tensions have surged as disputes between factions rekindle hostilities, particularly with the resumption of hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia post-agreement. Getachew Reda, a longtime political figure, was appointed as the head of an interim regional administration, yet his authority has been contested by Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
Recently, Debretsion’s forces seized control of Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, causing local anxieties regarding a potential return to warfare. “The town is under renewed tension; the population fears a return to the bad old days of the war,” one resident expressed. Getachew has suspended three generals within the Tigray Defence Forces, citing a takeover attempt by the rival faction.
The specter of Eritrea’s involvement has emerged, with experts suggesting that the country may exploit the internal conflict to instigate an invasion. Kjetil Tronvoll, a regional expert at Oslo University, noted that, “We have been close to a new conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia for the past two years. We just do not know what will be the triggering factor.”
The deteriorating relationship has roots in issues such as Eritrean President Afwerki’s discontent regarding the 2022 peace agreement and wider geopolitical interests influencing the region. General Tsadkan Gebretensae of the Tigray forces warned that “A war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out at any moment.”
In response to the escalating violence, several Western embassies, including from the United States and Europe, have urged all parties to avoid returning to violence and to engage in conversation. Amidst these tensions, France has advised its citizens in Tigray to stockpile essential supplies and avoid travel within the region, given the resurgence of internal clashes.
While Getachew’s administration has asked for support from the Ethiopian government, the exact nature of assistance requested has not been military. As of now, federal authorities in Addis Ababa have not released any statements regarding these developments.
In summary, the situation in Tigray is deteriorating, marked by renewed hostilities that threaten to destabilize the region further. As rival factions vie for power, fears of renewed conflict with Eritrea loom large, necessitating urgent dialogue among involved parties. The international community is urged to facilitate communication and to prevent violent escalations while the regional authority struggles for stability.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
