Ethiopia’s Tigray region faces rising tensions as internal leadership disputes threaten renewed conflict, more than two years post-peace accords. Economic hardships and fears of war persist, with political fragmentation underscoring instability. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s actions against the Tigray elite contribute to the crisis, prompting calls for negotiation amidst a volatile regional landscape influenced by foreign interests.
Ethiopia is facing renewed tensions in its Tigray region, just over two years after the government signed peace accords with rival factions to end a devastating war. While the November 2022 peace agreement initially brought some calm, concerns are escalating as people report a declining quality of life and fear of returning conflict. “People are worried,” stated Kiflom Abraha, a resident of Mekelle.
Despite a temporary peace, many individuals remain displaced and uncertainty grows as differences among Tigray’s leaders have led to societal unrest. Nigisti Garede, head of the Tigray Teachers’ Association, remarked, “After the Pretoria Agreement, there was peace, but with many challenges,” emphasizing the onset of leadership disputes that created a power divide within Tigray.
The internal conflict among Tigrayan elites has further exacerbated tensions, sidelining Getachew Reda, the head of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration. Martin Plaut, a London-based analyst, noted that the previously united TPLF has now become split, leading to chaos in governance. This division presents a serious threat to any stability that may have been achieved.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s initial democratic reforms were overshadowed by his aggressive move to dismantle Tigray’s political elite, which resulted in a volatile environment. Meanwhile, external influences, particularly from Eritrea, are heightening the situation as both Eritrea and Ethiopia prepare for the possibility of renewed conflict in the region.
As observers note the imminent risk of war, Lieutenant General Tsadkan Gebretensae stressed the necessity of negotiations. The geopolitical climate remains fraught, with tensions between neighboring nations and foreign interests, particularly from Middle Eastern powers, complicating the stability of the Horn of Africa.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region is increasingly precarious, as internal divides and external influences create a volatile environment. Political fragmentation among Tigrayan elites, highlighted by the sidelining of key leaders, signals potential for renewed conflict. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s struggle against Tigray’s political class adds to the turmoil, necessitating urgent negotiations to avert an escalating crisis that could destabilize the region further.
Original Source: www.dw.com
