Tigray Region Appeals for Federal Aid Amid Factional Conflict

Officials from Ethiopia’s Tigray region have requested federal intervention after a faction of the TPLF seized control of the town of Adigrat, raising fears of renewed conflict. The TPLF has fragmented into rival factions since a peace agreement ended the prior war. Getachew Reda, leader of one faction, expressed the urgency for federal support to prevent further violence and uphold peace agreements.

On Wednesday, officials in Ethiopia’s Tigray region sought federal assistance following the seizure of Adigrat, a key town, by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This incident has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict in the region, which is still recovering from the devastating war that concluded in November 2022 after two years of violence.

The TPLF, which forms Tigray’s interim administration, experienced a split into rival factions after the peace agreement ended the war, resulting in both sides claiming leadership over the party. On the day prior to the request for federal help, Getachew Reda, leader of one faction, announced the loss of Adigrat to his rival Debretsion Gebremichael, who acknowledged the takeover via an official Facebook post.

In addition to the territorial dispute, Getachew Reda took steps to prevent further internal conflict by dismissing three senior military commanders, accusing them of attempting to entangle the region in renewed strife. He asserted that the federal government must respond promptly to the threat, emphasizing the necessity for intervention to uphold the Pretoria Agreement of 2022, highlighting potential consequences of inaction for the people of Tigray.

Despite inquiries, responses from the Ethiopian government, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office, and Debretsion were not received immediately. The delicate political landscape in Tigray necessitates careful attention to avoid a return to the cycle of violence experienced in recent years.

The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region remains precarious following the recent factional takeover of Adigrat by one faction of the TPLF. With the interim administration facing internal divisions, the urgent request for federal support highlights concerns over potential conflict resurgence. Timely intervention is critical to uphold peace agreements and ensure the stability of the region, especially given the devastating consequences of past violence.

Original Source: www.usnews.com