Residents of Mekelle, Tigray, fear renewed conflict as tensions rise, threatening the peace established after a brutal civil war. Many are preparing for the worst, with citizens expressing deep concerns over leadership struggles and lingering trauma from past violence. Although life appears normal, the specter of another conflict looms as public anxiety grows over unresolved disputes and relations with Eritrea.
Residents of Mekelle, the principal city in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, are apprehensive about a renewed conflict following heightened tensions threatening the fragile peace established post-civil war. Many citizens are either fleeing the city for Addis Ababa or gathering emergency supplies in anticipation of potential violence, with one individual summarizing the situation as a result of pervasive anxiety among the populace.
Former combatant Tseganesh Kassa, who sustained severe injuries during the war, expressed trauma from the conflict, stating that it devastated her family. She emphasized her reluctance to endure such suffering again, highlighting the continued plight of displaced populations yet to return home.
Despite a peace agreement established between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), recent months have seen rising tensions due to a power struggle within TPLF and its interim administration. Accusations of power grabs and inadequate support for ex-combatants have further exacerbated the discord, raising fears of a deteriorating peace agreement and potential conflicts with Eritrea.
The relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia remains strained following the civil war, with allegations of continued Eritrean military presence in Tigray. Tigrayan officials seek the return of territories disputed between Tigray and neighboring Amhara forces, complicating regional dynamics.
In Mekelle, the citizens are fatigued by the prospect of renewed violence. Residents like Tesfay Gebreabgzi and Haimanot Gebremariam illustrate the emotional toll of the previous conflict, sharing stories of personal loss and fear of reliving traumatic experiences. The ongoing recovery from the war has been slow, with nearly a million individuals displaced and critical infrastructure still in ruins.
Despite these anxieties, life in Mekelle appears somewhat normal, with businesses operating and low security presence noted. However, the population remains vigilant, monitoring developments and awaiting decisions from leadership regarding the region’s future. Recent engagements from Tigray’s interim administration and local governance developments are under close scrutiny, as residents hope for sustained peace in the region.
The people of Mekelle face heightened anxieties about conflict as tensions threaten the fragile peace established after the civil war. Former combatants and local citizens express the psychological scars left by their experiences, emphasizing the need for stability and recovery in the region. While daily life continues with a semblance of normalcy, urgent issues regarding governance and regional disputes persist, leaving the population apprehensively awaiting future developments.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
