Tensions are escalating in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, raising fears of renewed conflict with Eritrea. Recent factional infighting has challenged the authority of Getachew Reda, leading to local turmoil and heightened insecurity. Experts warn that current dynamics closely approach a new warfare era, emphasizing the need for urgent diplomatic engagement to maintain peace.
Recent clashes among rival factions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have heightened concerns regarding a potential resurgence of conflict, particularly involving Eritrea. Analysts and local residents express fear that the deterioration of relations may lead to hostilities similar to those experienced during the war from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in approximately 600,000 casualties. Despite a peace accord signed in November 2022, stability remains elusive, with increased faction disputes contributing to heightened tensions.
The regional leader, Getachew Reda, has appealed for federal assistance as his authority is challenged by Debretsion Gebremichael, the leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. A recent power shift occurred when forces loyal to Debretsion seized Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, igniting fears among residents of a return to violent upheaval. Local observers report a climate of anxiety, and Getachew has dismissed several military generals, alleging a coup attempt by Debretsion’s faction.
Scholars and experts emphasize the growing risk of renewed conflict, citing Eritrea’s dissatisfaction with the peace agreement and ongoing geopolitical intricacies in the region. Professor Kjetil Tronvoll from Oslo University stated, “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.” This precarious situation threatens to escalate into a larger confrontation between the two nations.
Since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, its relationship with Ethiopia has been tumultuous, characterized by a devastating border war in the late 1990s. Although a momentary peace was achieved in 2018, relations have soured post-Tigray conflict. General Tsadkan Gebretensae from the Tigray forces warned that “a war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out at any moment.”
In response to the escalating violence, a coalition of Western embassies urged all parties to engage in urgent dialogue to safeguard the 2022 agreement and prevent a return to conflict. France has also advised its citizens in Tigray to secure emergency supplies and warned against travel in the region due to ongoing clashes.
The unrest in Tigray is symptomatic of deeper fissures within Ethiopia and its relationship with Eritrea. As factional disputes threaten to reignite conflict, the international community has called for dialogue and restraint, emphasizing the need to uphold peace agreements. The historical context of Ethiopian-Eritrean relations underscores the volatility present in the region, suggesting that proactive measures are essential to avert further violence and instability.
Original Source: www.france24.com
