Ethiopia’s Tigray crisis persists post-war despite a 2022 peace accord. Severe shortages of essentials and a deeply fractured local leadership hinder recovery efforts. Tensions aren’t just internal; external forces complicate the situation, with potential for renewed conflict looming. The need for effective governance and humanitarian support is critical for stability.
Ethiopia’s political landscape shifted dramatically when the Prosperity Party came to power in 2018, sidelining the dominant Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict escalated on November 4, 2020, when the Ethiopian government initiated military action against Tigray, accusing the TPLF of political aggression. This conflict has led to an estimated 600,000 civilian casualties, marking it as one of the most destructive conflicts of the 21st century.
Despite signing the Pretoria agreement on November 2, 2022, which aimed to cease hostilities and stabilize the region, Tigray continues to face severe political and humanitarian woes. Widespread shortages of food, water, and medical supplies plague the region as the local economy remains in shambles without reconstruction efforts in place.
Internally, the TPLF is experiencing rifts, with factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda vying for power. In January 2025, military leaders allied with Debretsion called for new leadership, which was opposed by the interim administration, leading to increased public unrest and calls for the separation of military and political functions.
The interim government struggles with humanitarian crises and security threats, lacking the strength necessary to address the dire conditions. Youth unemployment is alarmingly high at 81%, driven by economic collapse and governance failures.
The Pretoria agreement, facilitated by the African Union, sought to end violence, permit humanitarian aid, and restore government control. While some progress has been made, like reopening banks, armed groups from Eritrea and the Amhara region persist in Tigray, raising security concerns and undermining the disarmament of Tigrayan fighters.
Failure to fully implement the Pretoria agreement could deepen the humanitarian crisis; over a million displaced individuals face food insecurity and schools remain closed. The TPLF’s internal divisions obstruct governance, exacerbating tensions and increasing risks of renewed conflict, particularly with Eritrea, which has historical grievances against the TPLF.
Ethiopia’s Tigray region remains in turmoil following the Pretoria agreement despite the end of hostilities. The political fracture within the TPLF, humanitarian crises, and the continued presence of external armed forces threaten stability and governance. Addressing these factors is crucial to prevent another cycle of violence and further suffering for the Tigrayan populace. Long-term solutions and international support are vital to restoring order and facilitating recovery in the region.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
