France’s foreign ministry warns citizens against travel to Tigray, Ethiopia due to internal clashes between factions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). A peace agreement signed after previous conflicts faces implementation challenges, resulting in instability and fears of a potential Eritrean invasion.
France’s foreign ministry has issued a warning against travel to Tigray in northern Ethiopia due to ongoing internal conflicts, particularly in the cities of Mekele and Adigrat. The ministry advises avoiding travel in the region and urges French nationals currently there to leave promptly. The warning follows a violent history in Tigray, where clashes occurred from November 2020 to November 2022, resulting in an estimated 600,000 fatalities before a peace deal was reached in Pretoria, South Africa.
The peace agreement outlined the establishment of an interim administration in Tigray to oversee governance until elections. However, implementation delays have led to significant divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with rival factions led by Getachew Reda and Debretsion Gebremichael competing for power. Recently, Reda suspended three generals from the Tigray Defence Forces, accusing them of encroaching on territory.
There are rising concerns that Eritrea might exploit the situation for an invasion, as tensions have been simmering between the two nations since the Ethiopian peace deal with Eritrea in 2022. Kjetil Tronvoll, a specialist from Oslo University, notes that numerous factors contribute to the increasing hostility, including dissatisfaction over the peace agreement and geopolitical interests. The deteriorating situation in Tigray could serve as a catalyst for renewed conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, with General Tsadkan Gebretensae emphasizing the urgency of the threat.
While Abiy Ahmed’s 2018 peace agreement temporarily eased relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the failure to maintain peace post-Tigray war has escalated tensions, making a military confrontation between the neighboring countries increasingly probable.
French citizens are urged to remain vigilant and heed travel warnings regarding Tigray to ensure their safety amid the continuing unrest and instability in the region.
In summary, France’s foreign ministry actively cautions its citizens against traveling to Tigray, Ethiopia amid internal conflicts and fears of potential regional warfare. The peace agreement established post-conflict is facing implementation challenges which exacerbate tensions within the TPLF. Additionally, concerns about Eritrea’s possible military actions highlight the delicate geopolitical landscape. Overall, the situation remains precarious, necessitating attention and precaution from international travelers.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
