Infighting in Tigray raises fears of renewed conflict with Eritrea, as tensions escalate among rival factions. Following a peace agreement in 2022, stability has not been achieved, leading to urgent calls for dialogue from international embassies. The historical context and recent precarious developments underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, prompting apprehensions of warfare.
Recent infighting among opposing factions in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has raised concerns over the potential for renewed conflict, particularly with Eritrea. The region’s administrator has urgently requested federal assistance as tensions escalate, prompting international embassies to advocate for dialogue to mitigate the situation. Previous hostilities between 2020 and 2022 resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of up to 600,000 lives lost.
Following a peace agreement in November 2022, stability has remained elusive in Tigray. The political landscape has become increasingly fraught as disputes have intensified, particularly with the recent challenges faced by the interim administration led by Getachew Reda from the rival Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Control of Adigrat, the region’s second-largest city, was recently claimed by forces loyal to Debretsion Gebremichael, the TPLF leader.
A local resident expressed concerns, stating that the community fears a return to the violent past. In response to these tensions, Getachew suspended three generals from the Tigray Defence Forces, asserting that Debretsion’s faction aims to dominate Tigray completely. Experts warn that the worsening situation might prompt Eritrea to exploit the chaos for its own military advantage, potentially igniting a broader conflict.
Kjetil Tronvoll, a specialist in the area, highlighted that tensions have been escalating for two years and the conditions are precarious. Deteriorating relations are interlinked with suspicious geopolitical maneuvers regarding a Red Sea port and discontent with the peace agreement. He warns, “The situation in Tigray can be the triggering factor” for conflict between the two nations.
The historical context of Ethiopian-Eritrean relations reveals a complex trajectory of conflict and peace, including a devastating war from 1998 to 2000 over territorial issues. Although a peace agreement was achieved in 2018, stemming from Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, the aftermath of the Tigray war has strained relations significantly, with Eritrea alleging Ethiopian aggression.
Recent statements from senior military officials and diplomatic missions underscore the urgency of addressing the violent tensions. The United States and other Western nations have emphasized the necessity for all parties involved to de-escalate the hostility and adhere to the peace accord. France has also advised its citizens in the region to prepare for emergencies due to ongoing clashes.
In light of these escalating tensions, Getachew Reda has appealed for support from the Ethiopian federal government, specifying that the assistance sought is not military in nature. As the situation unfolds, the lack of response from the federal authorities in Addis Ababa remains a critical point of concern among observers and residents alike.
The escalating infighting among factions in Tigray poses a significant risk of renewed conflict, particularly with Eritrea’s involvement. The plea for assistance from the Tigray administration highlights the instability in the region despite previous peace agreements. International pressure for dialogue and de-escalation is mounting, emphasizing the need for all parties to seek non-violent solutions to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
