Tigray’s interim leader, Getachew Reda, warns of possible civil war after a rival TPLF faction seized a key town. He calls for administrative assistance and emphasizes the need to uphold peace agreements. In support, 25 foreign missions advocate for the cessation of hostilities in the region.
Getachew Reda, the President of the Tigray Regional Interim Administration, cautioned that northern Ethiopia is at risk of another civil war following the recent capture of a significant town by a splinter faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This faction has formed alliances with external entities, notably Eritrea, raising concerns about a potential conflict resurgence.
Reda urged the federal government for assistance in administration while alleging that certain military elements are attempting to orchestrate a coup against his interim administration. He stressed that his appeal was for administrative assistance rather than military intervention.
In response to these tensions, 25 foreign missions—including the US, UK, and EU—released a statement expressing their backing for the cessation of hostilities as outlined in the Pretoria Agreement. They encouraged all factions to engage in de-escalation efforts in Tigray, reaffirming their commitment to the peace agreement established in November 2022.
Since the division of the TPLF into rival groups in August, the interim administration has faced challenges, including the loss of control over key towns and media operations. Reda alleged that Debretsion Gebremichael’s faction took over the administration in Adigrat through force, which has been confirmed via social media. In reaction, Reda dismissed three senior army commanders, accusing them of inciting internal discord.
Reda lamented the loss of rehabilitation opportunities tied to the Pretoria Agreement, attributing the region’s instability to groups pursuing political power, which contribute to the ongoing turmoil.
The situation in northern Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray, is precarious, with warnings of potential civil war following territorial disputes among rival TPLF factions. Calls for administrative support from the federal government and international backing for peace efforts underscore the urgency of de-escalating tensions. Reda’s insights highlight the critical nature of political stability and the need for adherence to peace agreements to prevent further destabilization.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
