Concerns Mount Over Renewed Conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region

Analysts warn of potential renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray due to internal factional fighting, which could draw Eritrea into another war. Following a devastating previous conflict, the region remains unstable despite a peace agreement. The Tigray administrator has appealed for assistance as rival factions vie for control, while international embassies call for dialogue to prevent violence.

In the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray, infighting among rival factions has sparked concerns over a potential resurgence of conflict, possibly drawing Eritrea into a new war with Ethiopia. The beleaguered administrator of Tigray has sought assistance from the federal government as tensions escalate, prompting international embassies to advocate for urgent dialogue to mitigate the situation.

Tigray witnessed one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history from 2020 to 2022, resulting in an estimated 600,000 fatalities. This conflict involved local forces battling against the Ethiopian federal government, Eritrean troops, and allied militias. Despite a peace agreement reached in November 2022, stability has remained elusive, with increasing disputes between contending factions.

The appointment of veteran politician Getachew Reda as head of an interim regional administration has been challenged by Debretsion Gebremichael, a leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Recently, forces loyal to Debretsion captured Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, igniting fears among residents of a return to the turmoil experienced during the war.

In response to the escalating situation, Getachew suspended three generals of the Tigray Defence Forces, accusing the rival faction of attempting to dominate the region. Experts express concerns that Eritrea may exploit the chaos for possible military action against Ethiopia. Kjetil Tronvoll, a professor at Oslo University, stated, “We have been close to a new conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia for the past two years.”

Historical relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have fluctuated dramatically since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, with a devastating war occurring from 1998 to 2000. After Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018, he successfully negotiated a peace agreement with Eritrea, earning acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize. However, tensions have recurred following the end of the Tigray war in 2022, with Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of conducting aggressive campaigns against it.

A consortium of Western embassies—including those from the United States, Britain, Japan, and the European Union—has urged all parties to avoid violence and adhere to the 2022 peace agreement. France has also advised its nationals in Tigray to prepare for emergencies as the internal clashes, especially in Adigrat and Mekele, continue. The Tigray administration is requesting non-military assistance from the Ethiopian federal government amid these ongoing tensions.

The resurgence of conflict in Tigray raises grave concerns for Ethiopia and Eritrea, with internal power struggles exacerbating the situation. Despite previous peace agreements, the lack of stability and increased hostilities indicate that both nations are precariously close to renewed conflict. International calls for dialogue underscore the urgent need to prevent a return to violence and stabilise the region.

Original Source: www.france24.com