Officials in Tigray, Ethiopia, warn that tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could lead to war, risking humanitarian crises. The discord follows a civil war in Tigray and internal splits within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The deployment of troops and national military mobilizations exacerbate fears of conflict in the region, which historically has seen fraught relations between the two nations.
Recent warnings from officials in Ethiopia’s Tigray region indicate that the longstanding tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could escalate into conflict, heightening humanitarian risks in the Horn of Africa. This potential resurgence of hostilities threatens the fragile peace achieved through Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s 2019 Nobel Peace Prize-winning efforts, with analysts suggesting that this conflict may involve other regional powers.
General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a vice president in Tigray’s interim administration, asserted in an article for the Africa Report that “At any moment war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out.” The concern stems from the aftermath of the civil war in Tigray from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.
The current unease is exacerbated by a split in the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with one faction aligned with the federal government and another dissenting faction that is reportedly seeking support from Eritrea. Recent developments include this dissident faction capturing the northern town of Adigrat, fueling worries of recurring violence in Tigray.
Getachew Reda, head of Tigray’s interim administration, expressed his fears about the ongoing antagonism between Ethiopia and Eritrea, stating, “What concerns me is that the Tigray people may once again become victims of a war they don’t believe in.” In the midst of this tension, Ethiopia has mobilized troops toward the Eritrean border, signaling potential military preparations.
Despite Eritrea’s information minister labeling these warnings as “war-mongering psychosis,” the nation has initiated military mobilization, intensifying the atmosphere of discord. Former U.S. and EU envoys Payton Knopf and Alexander Rondos underscored that the instability in Tigray resembles “dry tinder waiting for a match,” alluding to how easily it could spark a wider conflict.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has a tumultuous history, dating back to Eritrea’s independence in 1993, leading to a significant border war from 1998 to 2000. Although there was a thaw in relations after 2018, recent actions by Eritrean officials and Ethiopia’s rhetoric regarding access to the sea have revived tensions. Last October, Eritrea’s security pact with Egypt and Somalia was perceived as a counter-move to Ethiopian ambitions, showcasing the fragile balance in the region.
The warnings from Tigray officials highlight the potential for renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which poses significant humanitarian risks and threatens the fragile peace achieved in the region. The situation remains tense, with internal divisions within Tigray and military mobilizations raising concerns over a possible escalation into war. The historical context, combined with recent political maneuvers, suggests a precarious future for both nations and the surrounding area.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
