Escalating tensions in Tigray, Ethiopia, are raising fears of renewed conflict, particularly with Eritrea. Infighting among factions, a history of violence, and strained relations post-2022 peace agreement threaten regional stability. Urgent calls for dialogue and assistance mark the current scenario.
Fears are escalating regarding a renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray as infighting among rival factions occurs. Analysts and residents have expressed concerns about potential hostilities extending to the neighbouring Eritrea. The region’s administrator has urgently sought assistance from the federal government amidst challenges from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Tigray witnessed one of the century’s bloodiest wars from 2020 to 2022, claiming an estimated 600,000 lives. Local forces clashed with the federal government and allied Eritrean troops. Despite a peace agreement reached in November 2022, the region remains unstable due to intensifying disputes between factions and strained Ethiopia-Eritrea relations post-deal.
Getachew Reda, a seasoned politician, has been appointed as the interim head of Tigray. However, his authority is being contested by TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael. Recently, forces loyal to Gebremichael seized control of Adigrat, prompting fears among residents of a return to wartime conditions.
Getachew ordered the suspension of three generals from the Tigray Defence Forces, accusing them of attempting to dominate Tigray. Amidst these developments, apprehensions grow that Eritrea might exploit the situation to initiate an incursion into Ethiopia.
Professor Kjetil Tronvoll from Oslo University indicates that tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been on the rise, with a possible re-eruption of conflict being a real threat. Contributing factors include Eritrean President Afwerki’s discontent with the peace agreement and Ethiopia’s regional aspirations.
Ethiopia and Eritrea have a tumultuous relationship marked by a prior brutal war over territory from 1998 to 2000. Peace fostered by Abiy Ahmed’s leadership in 2018 brought temporary stability, but relations have soured since the Tigray conflict resolution in 2022, with Eritrea alleging Ethiopia’s aggressive actions.
Various Western embassies, including those of the United States and the European Union, have urged restraint and dialogue to avoid violence. France has advised its nationals to prepare emergency supplies due to ongoing clashes in Tigray, particularly in Adigrat and Mekele, restricting travel to the region. The Ethiopian federal government has yet to provide a public response amid these mounting tensions and requests for assistance from Tigray’s administration.
In summary, the resurgent infighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray raises significant concerns regarding the potential for renewed conflict, not only internally but also with Eritrea. With ongoing tensions, a chilling past of violence, and external pressures complicating the situation, the need for de-escalation and urgent dialogue remains critical to ensuring peace in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
