Ethiopia has seen a significant two-year conflict in Tigray that resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. The war ended with the Pretoria Agreement in November 2022, but new conflicts have arisen between the Amhara and Oromia regions due to historical grievances and territorial disputes. Despite a formal cessation of hostilities, the nation’s journey to peace remains complex and challenging.
Ethiopia, with a rich history as one of the few African nations never extensively colonized, faces significant strife. Recently, the country endured a two-year civil conflict in Tigray, from 2020 to 2022, resulting in thousands of deaths, over two million displacements, and near famine conditions. This conflict involved Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s federal army and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the former ruling party.
The conflict commenced on November 4, 2020, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated a military offensive in Tigray, citing an attack on a government facility as the catalyst. This escalation was rooted in rising tensions between the Abiy administration and the TPLF, who had held power for nearly three decades before being sidelined during political reforms initiated by Abiy in 2018.
Despite the Tigray War officially concluding in November 2022 with the Pretoria Agreement, brokered by the African Union, Ethiopia continues to experience internal strife. The agreement facilitated a ceasefire and ensured humanitarian access to Tigray, mandating the disarmament of TPLF forces and the restoration of essential services.
Now, as the war’s shadows recede, new conflicts arise between the Amhara and Oromia regions. This ongoing violence stems from deep-seated political, ethnic, and territorial disputes, particularly around land claims in the Oromia region, where contested areas such as Wollega are claimed by both the Amhara and Oromo communities.
The historical context reveals that the Amhara’s predominance has shifted with Ethiopia’s ethnic federalism; areas previously under Amhara control have reverted to the Oromia region, fueling disputes over resource control and political representation. The struggles reflect broader issues of marginalization and competition for resources, leading to violence and displacement.
Although the Tigray conflict has ceased, Ethiopia’s path toward sustainable peace remains fraught with challenges. Civilians endure the consequences of past atrocities while grappling with ongoing tensions between the Amhara and Oromia regions, highlighting the need for comprehensive and inclusive peace-building efforts.
In summary, Ethiopia’s Tigray War has officially ended, yet the nation’s struggle for peace is ongoing. The ceasefire marked by the Pretoria Agreement offers a glimmer of hope, but violent disputes between the Amhara and Oromia regions demonstrate the complexities of reconciliation. As Ethiopia navigates these turbulent waters, addressing historical grievances and fostering dialogue among diverse communities will be crucial for achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.outlookindia.com
