Ethiopia’s Tigray region is experiencing a resurgence of conflict as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) regains control over key areas, including Adigrat and Mekele. Following a split within the TPLF, regional president Reda has sought federal intervention to counter the aggressive actions of rival factions. Meanwhile, allegations of foreign interference from Eritrea and Egypt complicate the situation, leading to increased regional tensions and fears of further violence.
The Tigray region of Ethiopia is facing renewed conflict almost two and a half years after the Pretoria agreements aimed at ending hostilities. Recently, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) regained control of the city of Adigrat, replacing the federal government’s appointed administration and naming Radae Gebreezgiabiher as the new administrator. TPLF forces are reportedly planning similar actions throughout Tigray, which has been under the federal government’s technical administration since the conflict’s conclusion in 2022. Following this power shift, TPLF forces also secured Mekele airport.
This offensive comes after the dismissal of four senior military commanders by Getachew Reda, who asserted that these commanders aimed to incite internal conflict. The TPLF is divided into two factions following a congress in August, one led by Reda and the other by Debretsion Gebremichael, the former regional president. The split marks a significant change in Tigray’s political dynamics and Ethiopia’s overall political landscape, representing a shift in power within the historically dominant party.
In response to escalating tensions, regional president Reda has called for federal intervention. He emphasized that the current offensive conducts by a segment of military leaders threatens the stability of Tigray and undermines authority established by the previous peace agreement. Reda has engaged with Western ambassadors, expressing his concerns and seeking diplomatic actions to prevent further conflict.
The TPLF’s splinter faction rebuffs accusations from the Mekele administration and denies any intention to invite third-party intervention, warning that such actions could undermine the Pretoria Agreement. They described the dismissal of military leaders as an illegitimate attempt to destabilize the region and asserted the TPLF remains responsible for regional security. Additionally, they accused some officials of acting against local interests under foreign influence.
Tigrayan opposition parties support Reda, alleging that the TPLF’s actions amount to a coup, while citing Eritrea as a primary instigator of this unrest, possibly with backing from Egypt. They advocate for international oversight to prevent further deterioration and conflict. Regional dynamics indicate that both Egypt and Eritrea might be supporting factions against the Interim Administration, fueling tensions further. Allegations of TPLF leaders smuggling resources into Eritrea have emerged amidst these complexities, with historical accusations directed at Cairo regarding military backing of the TPLF.
Amidst regional upheaval, the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears increasingly volatile, marked by mutual accusations and the implications of local and regional interventions. Former Ethiopian leaders have publicly criticized Eritrea’s involvement with TPLF factions, signaling a possible new chapter of conflict in the Horn of Africa.
The renewed conflict in Tigray underscores a deepening rift within the TPLF, reflecting broader tensions in Ethiopian politics. The calls for intervention by both opposing factions and regional influences from Egypt and Eritrea compound the risk of a further escalation. As local and international stakeholders navigate this precarious situation, the future stability of Tigray hinges on diplomatic engagements and adherence to the terms of the Pretoria Agreement, which aim to prevent further conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
