Fears of new conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia, arise from faction infighting and deteriorating relations with Eritrea. An embattled administrator seeks federal support as hostilities escalate. Despite a previous peace agreement, disputes have intensified, prompting international calls for dialogue to prevent violence.
Renewed conflict fears in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have arisen due to fighting between rival factions. Analysts and local residents indicated the potential for renewed warfare between Ethiopia and Eritrea, particularly after an embattled administrator sought federal assistance against a challenging faction. International embassies emphasize the urgent need for dialogue to de-escalate the situation.
The Tigray region experienced devastating warfare between 2020 and 2022, resulting in approximately 600,000 casualties, mainly involving local forces, the federal government, and Eritrean troops. Despite a peace agreement in November 2022, stability remains elusive, with faction disputes intensifying and Eritrea’s relations with Ethiopia deteriorating thereafter.
In response to challenges from Debretsion Gebremichael, a former ally and leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the federal government appointed veteran politician Getachew Reda to lead an interim administration. Recently, forces loyal to Debretsion captured Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, heightening tensions among residents concerned about a return to wartime conditions.
Getachew has suspended three generals of the Tigray Defence Forces, alleging that Debretsion’s faction aims to take full control of Tigray. Experts like Kjetil Tronvoll from Oslo University have warned of possible renewed conflict due to Eritrea’s interest in exploiting the situation.
Professor Tronvoll noted, “We have been close to a new conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia for the past two years,” citing various underlying factors contributing to tensions. Historical relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have fluctuated dramatically since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, with a significant war occurring from 1998 to 2000.
Despite a peace agreement that allowed borders to reopen under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, relations soured post-Tigray conflict, with Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of an escalating offensive. Tigray forces’ strategist, General Tsadkan Gebretensae, warned of imminent warfare, claiming, “A war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out at any moment.”
In response to these tensions, various Western embassies, including the United States and the European Union, have called for all parties to adhere to the 2022 peace agreement and engage in dialogue. France has also advised its citizens to accumulate emergency supplies and exercise caution due to ongoing internal strife in Tigray.
While Getachew’s administration requested non-military assistance from the Ethiopian government, federal authorities in Addis Ababa have not issued a public response yet, leaving the future of Tigray tense and uncertain.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region is tense, with fears of renewed conflict brewing due to internal faction disputes and deteriorating relations with Eritrea. Despite prior peace initiatives, ongoing hostilities threaten to destabilize both Tigray and the greater Horn of Africa. International calls for dialogue highlight the urgency of the situation, as all parties seek to avoid a return to war, emphasizing the need for strategic governance and peacekeeping efforts.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
