Mulatu Teshome Wirtu, former Ethiopian President, has accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of exploiting divisions within the TPLF, potentially undermining the Pretoria Peace Agreement and risking renewed conflict in Northern Ethiopia. He urges global actors to intervene and emphasizes the regional implications of instability.
Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome Wirtu has accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of exploiting internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement, highlighting the risk of renewed conflict in Northern Ethiopia. In an opinion article featured on Al Jazeera, he described Afwerki’s actions as destructive and predictable, suggesting they threaten to dismantle the fragile peace established by the agreement.
Mulatu, who held various high-profile positions including Ethiopia’s ambassador to multiple countries and Minister of Agriculture, claims that Afwerki is forming alliances with dissatisfied factions of the TPLF. He believes this could disrupt the interim administration set up according to the peace deal, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences for both Ethiopia and the broader regional stability.
He further criticized Eritrea’s historical involvement in conflicts across the Horn of Africa, pointing to Afwerki’s opportunistic behavior during the TPLF’s failed attempt to regain power in 2020. Mulatu characterized the 2022 peace agreement as a significant setback for Afwerki, arguing that for him, peace acts as an obstacle to expanding his influence in the region.
Emphasizing the importance of Ethiopian stability amidst crises in neighboring Sudan, Somalia, and the Sahel, Mulatu warned that widespread chaos could empower extremist groups, which in turn could disrupt global trade routes, particularly through the Red Sea. He urged for concerted diplomatic efforts from the global community to counter individuals like Isaias who threaten peace efforts, framing the issue as a global challenge rather than merely an African one.
In summary, former President Mulatu Teshome warns that President Isaias Afwerki’s machinations within the TPLF could destabilize the peace agreement in Ethiopia, potentially reigniting regional conflict. His call for global diplomatic intervention highlights the interconnectedness of regional stability and international security. The implications extend beyond Ethiopia, affecting the entire Horn of Africa and global trade routes.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
