Ethiopia faces renewed conflict fears two years after the Tigray war peace deal due to internal TPLF divisions and escalating tensions with Eritrea. Economic challenges and political disputes exacerbate instability, creating urgency for preventative measures against violence. Power struggles within TPLF and continued presence of Eritrean troops fuel these concerns.
The ongoing political divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are raising concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia, particularly in light of rising tensions with Eritrea. Even after two years since the peace agreement which ended the Tigray war, the fragile peace remains threatened by internal strife and lack of progress on critical issues such as the disarmament of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF).
In Tigray, the situation remains dire, with residents facing fuel shortages, panic-driven bank withdrawals, and soaring food prices. The aftermath of the previous conflict, which claimed approximately 600,000 lives, continues to haunt citizens who are apprehensive about a return to violence. The TPLF, which ruled Ethiopia for nearly 30 years, is embroiled in a power struggle that could further destabilize the region.
Recent violent clashes in Tigray’s capital, Mekele, highlighted the tensions as the interim administration removed high-ranking officials from the TDF, prompting a swift takeover of regional institutions by the TDF. The ongoing political disputes within the TPLF are exacerbated by delays in executing the November 2022 peace deal. Displaced individuals remain unable to return home, and foreign troops, identified in the agreement, still occupy parts of Ethiopia.
Experts suggest that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed may be deliberately delaying the peace process to further marginalize the Tigrayan population, who have lost significant political influence in recent years. The internal discord is compounded by a rivalry between Getachew Reda, the interim administrator, and TPLF president Debretsion Gebremichael. As the power struggle deepens, fears of re-escalation rise.
Additionally, tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are intensifying. Reports indicate that Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has met with TDF leaders, which is viewed as a potential indicator of support for secessionist movements. Experts warn that this mutual animosity could escalate into armed conflict at any moment, while strategists call for urgent preventative actions to avert transforming Tigray into a battleground for proxy warfare.
The article illustrates the complex landscape in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, characterized by internal political divisions, rising tensions with Eritrea, and economic distress among residents. The potential for renewed conflict is heightened by unresolved issues from the previous peace agreement and ongoing struggles for power within the TPLF. As Ethiopia’s political atmosphere continues to destabilize, concerns about a resurgence of violence grow, highlighting the need for immediate diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to maintain peace in the region.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
