Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Faces Threat of Renewed Conflict Amid…

Ethiopia faces fears of renewed conflict in Tigray due to internal divisions within the TPLF and escalating tensions with Eritrea. Economic hardships, leadership struggles, and unresolved peace agreements contribute to the instability, raising alarms regarding the potential for renewed violence. Immediate action is necessary to prevent escalating hostilities and to stabilize the region.

Two years following a peace agreement that officially ended the Tigray conflict, fears of renewed violence are escalating within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and due to rising tensions with neighboring Eritrea. This growing instability threatens to reignite the hostilities that resulted in significant loss of life and widespread trauma in the region.

The populace of Tigray is currently facing acute hardships characterized by long lines for fuel, urgent bank withdrawals, and soaring food prices. Residents are still deeply affected by the previous war, which caused approximately 600,000 fatalities. Many are anxious about a potential resurgence of violence ignited by the historical grievances tied to the TPLF’s former governance of Ethiopia.

On March 11, violent clashes broke out in Mekele, Tigray’s capital, following the dismissal of senior officers from the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) by the interim administration. Shortly afterward, the TDF asserted control over government institutions and key cities, escalating the already heightened tensions in the region.

Internal divisions within the TPLF are primarily responsible for the current crisis, as delays in implementing the November 2022 peace agreement continue to cause significant frustrations. One million displaced individuals are still unable to return home, while the TDF remains armed, and Eritrean troops continue to operate in Ethiopian territory, defying the peace accord.

According to Gérard Prunier, a historian, the stagnation in peace processes can be attributed to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s reluctance to advance the agreement, ostensibly to further marginalize the Tigrayan population. The leadership conflict within the TPLF, particularly between Getachew Reda and Debretsion Gebremichael, exacerbates the instability and competition for power in the region.

Furthermore, Ethiopia’s fraught relations with Eritrea escalate the situation. Reports indicate that Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki recently met with TPLF leaders, suggesting potential support for secessionist factions. This complicates the political landscape and raises alarms regarding the possibility of renewed conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia.

General Tsadkan Gebretensae expressed grave concerns about the looming threat of warfare between Ethiopia and Eritrea, advocating for immediate intervention to prevent Tigray from becoming a battleground for a proxy conflict. He emphasized the severe suffering already endured by the populace and the urgent need for resolution to avoid further tragedy in the region.

In conclusion, the risk of renewed conflict in Ethiopia is a pressing concern, driven by internal TPLF disputes and escalating tensions with Eritrea. The population of Tigray faces dire economic conditions and psychological trauma from past violence, intensifying fear and instability. Urgent measures are required to address the ongoing conflicts and support recovery efforts to prevent further suffering in this vulnerable region.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com