Residents of Tigray Region Fear Renewed Conflict Amid Political Tensions
Residents of Mekelle, Tigray, express fears of renewed conflict amid rising tensions and fragile peace post-civil war. Preparations for potential violence include relocating and stockpiling supplies. The TPLF and interim government face political instability and territorial disputes, and there are concerns over relations with Eritrea. The community yearns for stability while continuing to bear the scars of past atrocities.
Residents in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, express palpable fear of potential renewed conflict following the fragile peace established in late 2022, which ended a devastating civil war that resulted in approximately half a million casualties. Many locals are making preparations, including relocating to the federal capital, Addis Ababa, as flights sell out, and others stockpile emergency supplies while withdrawing their savings.
Tseganesh Kassa, an ex-combatant from Shire, bears the physical scars of war, as she lost the use of her leg and requires ongoing medical care. She lamented her family’s plight, stating, “I do not want to see that again”. Displaced individuals remain in makeshift camps, and residents fear the ramifications of further conflict, with many expressing that “no-one can handle another war”.
The Tigray region, having been the epicenter of the previous conflict, is grappling with political instability as tensions rise between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the interim administration formed post-peace agreement. The interim administration accuses TPLF members of attempting to undermine the government, while TPLF leaders claim insufficient support for ex-fighters and displaced individuals.
Potential flashpoints include territorial disputes over areas formerly governed by Tigray but now under other authorities. Both factions accuse each other of treachery involving external actors, fueling fears that the peace agreement might collapse and even ignite conflict with Eritrea, which had supported Ethiopia during the civil war but has since witnessed deteriorating relations since the peace accord.
Throughout the civil conflict, gross human rights violations were reported, with all parties involved accused of committing atrocities including mass civilian killings and sexual violence. Tigray’s interim administration continues to assert that Eritrean troops occupy parts of Tigray, conducting abuses, while Eritrea dismisses these claims as fabricated, branding their presence on disputed territories as legitimate.
Ethiopia’s ambition of regional dominance by securing access to the sea complicates relations further. The looming threat of renewed hostilities is palpable amongst the populace, who are weary after enduring past violence. Tesfay Gebreabgzi, a shoe-shiner, noted that the youth now feel a heavy fatigue rather than a desire to fight, while Haimanot Gebremariam recounted the traumatic consequences of the previous conflict on her family.
Although Tigray has not fully recovered from previous wartime destruction, businesses and shops maintain regular operations, and security forces are not heavily present in the streets. The residents are, however, intently monitoring political developments as they await further guidance from their leaders. Young people frequent coffee houses, keenly following updates from their interim administration leaders or the newly appointed mayor, holding their breath for a more certain future.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region remains precarious, with residents braced for the potential resurgence of conflict following a harrowing civil war. Despite signs of routine life returning to Mekelle, deep-seated fears of renewed violence linger due to ongoing political tensions and unresolved issues from the past. The cautious hope for stability is tested as individuals remain vigilant for forthcoming political developments that could significantly alter their future.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
