Residents in Mekelle, Tigray, fear a resurgence of conflict as tensions threaten the peace agreement that ended the civil war. Precautions are being taken, and personal stories highlight the lingering trauma of war. The ongoing power struggle between the TPLF and interim administration, along with deteriorating relations with Eritrea, adds to the anxiety about potential violence. Despite current semblances of normalcy, the threat of relapse into conflict looms large over the community.
Residents of Mekelle, the main city in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, express profound fear of a potential resurgence of conflict. Tensions are mounting, threatening the fragile peace established by a 2022 agreement that ended a devastating civil war, which claimed roughly 500,000 lives. Many locals are taking precautions, such as booking flights to the capital, Addis Ababa, or stockpiling supplies as anxiety about their future rises.
Personal accounts highlight the dire situation. Tseganesh Kassa, an injured ex-combatant, described how the previous war devastated her life and family. She articulates the profound fear among residents stating, “No-one can handle another [war].” Many displaced individuals remain in camps and are yet to return home, which adds to collective anxiety about the possibility of renewed conflict.
In the wake of the peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), an interim administration was formed to lead the region. However, power struggles intensify, with accusations exchanged between TPLF members and the interim administration on issues of governance and support for ex-fighters. The ongoing discord coupled with unfounded allegations of treason further escalates tensions.
Concerns also extend to relations with Eritrea, which supported Ethiopia during the Tigray conflict. Following the unratified peace agreement, Eritrea has faced allegations regarding the atrocities committed during the war, specifically in Aksum. Despite denials from Eritrea’s officials regarding any wrongdoing, the situation remains volatile, with demands for the return of disputed territories.
Widespread concerns loom over potential violence as Ethiopia harbors ambitions for seaport access, further straining relations with Eritrea, which may result in renewed hostilities. The residents of Mekelle bear the weight of this uncertainty; many have experienced traumatic losses and seek to avoid a return to “the dark days” of conflict.
Although Mekelle exhibits signs of normalcy, with functioning shops and limited military presence, the haunting reality of a past war weighs heavily on the community. Many residents remain vigilant, closely monitoring developments in leadership and governmental decisions. In local cafes, young citizens discuss their worries and express a collective hope for peace, as they wait to see what tomorrow holds.
As tensions rise in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, residents of Mekelle find themselves grappling with the fear of renewed conflict, stemming from unresolved political dynamics and fears regarding external relations with Eritrea. Despite an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty, life continues in a semblance of normality, while the scars of the past conflict remain very much present. All eyes are on future developments, as both community members and leaders anticipate the outcome of ongoing power struggles and peace efforts.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
