Recent clashes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have raised fears of renewed conflict involving Eritrea. Disputes among local leaders and territorial control issues may threaten fragile peace achieved post-2020-2022 war. International powers are urging de-escalation, while Eritrea’s involvement remains a significant concern.
Concerns regarding renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have intensified following recent clashes among rival factions. The ongoing disputes between Tigray’s interim leader Getachew Reda and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leader Debretsion Gebremichael have exacerbated tensions, threatening a fragile peace established after the catastrophic 2020-2022 war that resulted in the loss of approximately 600,000 lives.
On Tuesday, forces loyal to Debretsion captured Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, escalating fears of a broader conflict. Getachew Reda has accused rival factions within the Tigray Defence Forces of seeking control over the region. Experts are also wary of Eritrea potentially seizing this turmoil as a catalyst for military actions.
Kjetil Tronvoll, a professor at Oslo University, noted, “We have been close to a new conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia for the past two years.” He emphasized that deteriorating relations between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki pose a significant risk of triggering another war.
International entities, such as the United States, Britain, Japan, and the European Union, have called for immediate de-escalation and dialogue to avert a return to violence. The UN has echoed these sentiments, urging urgent diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.
France has advised its citizens in Tigray to prepare emergency supplies, noting increased clashes in both Adigrat and the regional capital, Mekele. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have become increasingly strained post-Tigray war, with Eritrea alleging an “intense campaign” from Ethiopia, raising speculation of imminent conflict. Getachew’s administration has sought assistance from the federal government, clarifying that this request is not for military intervention, although Addis Ababa has not responded to the situation.
The alarming rise in tensions in Tigray underscores the fragile peace that followed a devastating conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Immediate diplomatic efforts are critical to prevent a resurgence of violence and to address the underlying disputes among the rival factions in the region. The international community’s proactive stance, alongside regional political dynamics, will be influential in shaping the future stability of Tigray.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
