Renewed Tensions in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Amid Fears of Conflict

The Tigray Region in Ethiopia faces instability due to a split in the TPLF and fears of renewed conflict. The situation worsened with recent captures of towns and accusations of collaboration with Eritrea. Officials express concern over the implications for peace and humanitarian assistance in the region.

The current situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region is described as unstable, with flight cancellations reported. Concerns regarding renewed violence stem from a split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which previously fought against Ethiopia’s federal forces and now governs Tigray’s interim administration. The conflict saw Eritrean forces intervene on the side of Ethiopia against the TPLF.

A peace agreement signed in November 2022 has resulted in tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as Eritrea was not involved in the negotiations. According to a Reuters report from March 13, fears of renewed conflict are linked to the TPLF’s internal division, where a faction administers Tigray under the federal government’s approval while another faction has opposed this leadership. The dissident faction recently captured the town of Adigrat, accusing the interim administration of betraying Tigrayan interests.

Following the capture of Adigrat, key offices and a radio station in Mekelle, the regional capital, were also seized. Tigray’s interim administration leader, Getachew Reda, has sought support from the Ethiopian government against dissenting factions, which have denied any ties to Eritrea. Mr. Reda expressed concerns about the potential for the Tigray people to become victims of conflict they do not support, and he has implicated Eritrea as a possible external actor fomenting unrest.

Reuters further warned that this escalating conflict could undermine the peace process for which Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Renewed violence in Tigray is likely to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis within a region already affected by aid reductions due to conflicts in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia.

In conclusion, the volatile situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region is exacerbated by internal divisions within the TPLF and external tensions with Eritrea. The potential for renewed violence poses significant risks to the fragile peace established in 2022 and could lead to further humanitarian crises in an already troubled region. Concerns raised by local leaders highlight the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent devastating repercussions for the population.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org