The Tigray regional government in Ethiopia has requested federal intervention after a faction of the TPLF seized two towns, sparking fears of civil war. The conflict stems from internal TPLF divisions and led to violence in key urban areas. Reda views these actions as a coup attempt while TPLF leaders claim they are unrelated to the Pretoria Agreement, attributing chaos to law enforcement issues. International observation is deemed necessary to avert further escalation.
Ethiopia’s Tigray regional interim government has urgently requested intervention from the Ethiopian federal government following the seizure of key towns by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This alarming development has raised fears of a potential return to civil war after the TPLF captured Adigrat, the second-largest town in Tigray, and later took control of Adi-Gudem, near the regional capital, Mekele, causing injuries among civilians.
The TPLF previously engaged in a violent two-year conflict against federal forces that ended in November 2022 with a peace agreement. Since then, the TPLF has fragmented internally, highlighted by the expulsion of interim government leader Getachew Reda from the party and subsequent military suspensions. There is growing concern that the Tigray region is at risk of further instability, as articulated by the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau in their recent statement about the brink of a new crisis.
Reda has labeled these aggressive actions by the TPLF as indicative of a “potential coup attempt.” He called upon the international community, particularly the signatories of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, to closely observe the deteriorating situation in Tigray. Moreover, he emphasized the need for all parties involved to recognize the serious consequences of any collapse of the agreements established in Pretoria.
Conversely, TPLF deputy chairman Amanuel Assefa insists that the current tensions are unrelated to the Pretoria Agreement, framing them instead as issues of law enforcement and asserting that the TPLF remains committed to the agreement’s integrity. They view themselves as the rightful parties to the Pretoria Agreement, negating claims of any intended violations.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region is precarious, with internal divisions within the TPLF leading to violent clashes and the potential resurgence of civil conflict. The appeals for intervention by the federal government underscore the urgency of restoring peace and order. Monitoring by the international community is essential to uphold the Pretoria Peace Agreement and avoid a deeper crisis in the region. Effective management of this escalating situation will be crucial to prevent further humanitarian disasters.
Original Source: apnews.com
