Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warns that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears imminent, with Tigray potentially being the primary battleground. He calls for urgent international intervention and adherence to the Pretoria peace agreement to avert disaster, while also acknowledging internal divisions within Tigray that could exacerbate tensions. Eritrea denies allegations of aggression and stresses that Ethiopia’s issues should not be externalized.
Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, has expressed grave concerns regarding the potential outbreak of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He noted in a commentary for The Africa Report that preparations for conflict have reached advanced stages, with Tigray poised to be the central battleground. While Tigray prefers peace, the narrowing options suggest war may become the sole recourse.
Tsadkan highlighted that the alliance between Ethiopia and Eritrea has been steadily declining since the Pretoria peace agreement, thereby increasing the likelihood of conflict. He emphasized that military preparations are nearing completion, complicating the ability to reverse momentum towards war. He attributed Eritrea’s motives to a desire to exploit regional dynamics, particularly targeting Tigray as a perceived obstacle to its ambitions.
Additionally, he raised concerns over internal divisions within Tigray that could exacerbate tensions. Tsadkan stated that factions within the TPLF may view alignment with Eritrea as a strategic move against Ethiopian leadership, prioritizing personal power over the welfare of Tigrayans. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome echoed these sentiments, warning of Eritrea’s attempts to destabilize the region and weaken peace efforts.
In contrast, Eritrean officials, including Minister Yemane G. Meskel, have dismissed these accusations as unfounded and intended to justify aggressive stances. They contend that Ethiopia’s internal issues should not implicate Eritrea and assert that peace agreements such as the Pretoria Agreement remain solely an Ethiopian concern.
Tsadkan cautioned that a renewed conflict could result in catastrophic consequences for the region. He foresees potential redrafting of territorial boundaries and political alignments, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea area, should global focus shift away from this region. He urged both the Ethiopian government and international stakeholders to intervene to prevent another war, advocating for adherence to the Pretoria agreement as the optimal path forward.
In summary, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warns of an impending war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with Tigray likely to become the conflict’s center. He highlights deteriorating relations and internal divisions within Tigray as complicating factors. While Eritrea rejects the allegations of aggression, the potential ramifications of renewed conflict could reshape regional dynamics significantly. Urgent action is necessary to avert disaster and uphold peace agreements.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
