Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki is endangering peace in the Horn of Africa by attempting to rekindle conflict in Ethiopia, particularly targeting Tigray. With a history of involvement in regional conflicts, Isaias poses a threat to stability amid geopolitical rivalries. The potential for renewed violence could have catastrophic consequences, necessitating urgent global diplomatic efforts to defend the Pretoria Peace Agreement and promote cooperation for lasting peace.
To prevent further conflict in the Horn of Africa, urgent action is necessary. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki poses a significant threat by striving to rekindle strife in northern Ethiopia. This region, rife with turmoil and geopolitical rivalries, has been shaped by historical conflicts fueled by countries like Eritrea, which has meddled in neighboring nations such as Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia for decades. Isaias’ ambitions seem to revolve around fostering divisions and chaos rather than seeking peace.
Under Isaias, Eritrea’s governance lacks basic frameworks found in most countries, including a constitution, parliament, or civil service. The president holds absolute authority, and mandatory military service is indefinite, leading many Eritreans to flee the country in search of freedom and safety. The government’s primary focus on warfare fosters a state of perpetual conflict and unrest throughout the region.
Currently, Isaias is exploiting existing divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after years of animosity toward the group. Historical tensions include a bitter war in the late 1990s between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s efforts to achieve peace between the two nations in 2018 awarded him a Nobel Peace Prize, yet Isaias has shown little interest in sustainable economic cooperation.
When the TPLF attempted to regain power in Ethiopia in 2020, Isaias’s forces invaded Tigray, leading to large-scale destruction. The subsequent Pretoria Peace Agreement in 2022 marked a diplomatic victory for Ethiopia and the African Union, but it undermined Isaias’ influence. His recent actions threaten to destabilize the peace agreement by manipulating factions within the TPLF opposed to it.
The potential return of conflict in Tigray poses risks not only to Ethiopia but to the entire region. Surrounding areas like Sudan and Somalia face their crises, while extremist groups gain strength across the Sahel. Renewed hostilities in the Horn of Africa could invite chaos, encouraging terrorist activities and endangering critical trade routes.
Such regional instability may create refugee crises, exacerbating existing challenges for many nations. These developments would foster the spread of extremist ideologies, reaching the Middle East and affecting global interests. It is vital for global players to engage diplomatically and uphold the Pretoria Peace Agreement while promoting regional stability through investments and cooperation.
Comprehensive efforts to support peace and development in the Horn of Africa are essential, as failure to do so might lead to adverse outcomes that resonate worldwide. Conversely, a stable and peaceful region could serve as a bridge for trade and connection between continents, unlocking vast potential. The decision must be made promptly, as time is of the essence.
Immediate action is critical to avert further conflict in the Horn of Africa, particularly due to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s destabilizing activities. Historical tensions and the threat of renewed conflict in Tigray necessitate both diplomatic and economic strategies to support peace and stability in the region. The implications of inaction extend beyond Africa, reinforcing the urgent need for global collaboration to uphold the Pretoria Peace Agreement and encourage positive development. Stability in the Horn of Africa is not only a regional concern but a global one, as its ramifications will affect trade, security, and migration patterns worldwide.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
