Two years after the Tigray war’s conclusion, Eritrean forces persist in occupying border regions of Ethiopia despite a peace agreement. The conflict resulted in approximately 600,000 deaths and widespread humanitarian issues. Despite the stated withdrawal of foreign troops in the agreement, many areas remain under Eritrean control, leaving local populations feeling neglected and threatened.
Two years after the cessation of hostilities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the situation remains precarious as Eritrean forces continue to occupy significant border areas. The conflict, which began in November 2020, led to the deaths of an estimated 600,000 individuals and caused extensive humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Ethiopian federal authorities’ blockade of aid and services to Tigray. While a peace agreement was reached in Pretoria on November 2, 2022, to end the war, Eritrea has yet to formally withdraw its troops, leaving many residents feeling abandoned under foreign occupation. The Pretoria peace agreement aimed to resolve the violence that plagued Tigray for two years; however, critical stakeholders, including Eritrean forces that participated alongside Ethiopian federal troops, were notably absent from negotiations. The peace deal explicitly called for the withdrawal of foreign forces, hinting at the Eritrean presence, yet the troops remain in place, continuing to enforce their own laws in various localities. Inhabitants share stories of life under occupation, highlighting their abandonment during a critical time for regional stability. Clothilde Hazard, our correspondent in Ethiopia, brings forth these narratives, showcasing the ongoing struggles of those in occupied areas.
The Tigray war, which erupted in November 2020, left a profound impact on Ethiopia, resulting in widespread death, displacement, and destruction. The conflict involved the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with Eritrean troops joining the Ethiopian army against the TPLF. Despite the Pretoria agreement’s aim to end the violence and provide a framework for recovery, the lack of commitment from Eritrea to withdraw its forces complicates the peace process, leaving the situation tense and unresolved on the ground.
In summary, the aftermath of the Tigray war continues to be marked by the occupation of Eritrean forces in border regions, despite a formal peace agreement. The failure of these forces to withdraw as stipulated has left residents in a state of uncertainty and despair. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, combined with the absence of comprehensive peace negotiations that include all relevant parties, raises significant concerns about the future stability and reconciliation efforts in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.france24.com
