Tigray leader Getachew Reda warns of potential civil war amid factional tensions after a key town was seized by a rival group of the TPLF. He calls for administrative assistance from the federal government while denying requests for military support. Following his warning, 25 foreign missions urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and support the Pretoria Agreement, which aims to maintain peace in Tigray.
Tigray Regional Interim Administration President Getachew Reda has expressed serious concerns regarding the risk of renewed civil conflict in northern Ethiopia. His warning follows the recent seizure of a crucial town by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which divided into competing groups last August. Reda attributes this situation to the faction’s alleged collaboration with external forces, particularly Eritrea, which could escalate tensions further.
In a televised address, Reda called on the federal government to extend administrative support to restore stability. He has accused certain local military figures of plotting a coup against the interim administration, claiming such actions undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Moreover, he clarified that his appeal was strictly for administrative assistance and not military intervention by the federal government.
In response to Reda’s warnings, 25 foreign missions, including those from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union, issued a call for an end to hostilities. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in November 2022, advocating for de-escalation of tensions in Tigray.
The TPLF’s division into two factions has led to the rejection of the interim administration and the capture of strategic towns and facilities in Tigray. Recently, Reda reported that rival leader Debretsion Gebremichael had taken control of the Adigrat administration through violent means. In light of these developments, Reda dismissed three senior army commanders for their alleged attempts to incite internal conflict in the region.
In his statements to the press, Reda lamented that Tigray’s rehabilitation is hindered by groups prioritizing political power over peace, creating a state of upheaval instead of facilitating recovery as per the Pretoria Agreement.
The situation in Tigray remains precarious, with warnings of potential civil strife following the recent power struggle within the TPLF. The call for international support against escalating tensions emphasizes the urgent need for peace. If not managed carefully, the ongoing challenges could derail the progress made under the Pretoria Peace Agreement, further complicating the region’s path to stability and rehabilitation.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
