Emerging Clashes in Tigray Heighten Concerns Over New Conflict

Recent clashes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region between rival factions have raised alarms about a potential new conflict involving Ethiopia and Eritrea. Analysts warn that these tensions threaten the fragile peace established after the 2020-2022 war, which claimed significant lives. International calls for de-escalation and dialogue have emerged amid fears of renewed hostilities and worsening relations between Ethiopian and Eritrean leadership.

Fears are mounting over a potential renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, following recent clashes between rival factions. These tensions have raised concerns regarding a new war that may involve both Ethiopia and Eritrea. Analysts and local residents expressed that the fragile peace established after the devastating war between 2020 and 2022—resulting in approximately 600,000 fatalities—could be threatened by a resurgence of hostilities.

The current fighting stems from escalating disputes between Tigray’s interim leader, Getachew Reda, and Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Recently, forces loyal to Gebremichael took control of Adigrat, the second-largest city in Tigray, intensifying fears of broader conflict. Getachew has attributed attempts by rival factions within the Tigray Defence Forces to seize overall control of the region.

Additionally, experts indicate that the tumult may provide Eritrea with an opportunity to engage in military action. Kjetil Tronvoll, a professor at Oslo University, noted that there has been an ongoing risk of renewed conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia over the past two years. Deteriorating relations between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki could potentially ignite another war.

International powers including the United States, Britain, Japan, and the European Union have called for all parties to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue to avert a return to violence. The United Nations has voiced significant concern, urging for urgent diplomatic measures to stabilize the situation. Meanwhile, France has warned its citizens in Tigray to prepare for emergencies, responding to increasing clashes in Adigrat and the regional capital, Mekele.

Historically strained, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have further deteriorated since the conclusion of the Tigray war in 2022. Recently, Eritrea accused Ethiopia of conducting an “intense campaign” against it, sparking fears that conflict may erupt at any moment. Getachew’s administration has sought assistance from the Ethiopian government, emphasizing that such a request is not military in nature. However, the government in Addis Ababa has not yet responded to the situation.

The recent clashes in Tigray are escalating concerns over a potential rekindling of conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, threatening the fragile peace established after the previous war. With leadership disputes fueling tensions and international powers urging for dialogue, there is a critical need for diplomatic intervention to prevent further hostilities. Continued monitoring of this situation is essential as it evolves, especially given historical conflicts between the two nations.

Original Source: newscentral.africa