Concerns Rise Over Potential New Conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region

Fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have surged due to rival faction infighting, urging local authorities to seek federal assistance. The 2022 peace agreement has not stabilized the area, with escalated tensions threatening relations with Eritrea. International embassies demand urgent dialogue to prevent violence, while local administrations call for non-military support amid rising concerns of war.

Recent infighting among rival factions in Tigray, Ethiopia, raises concerns over a potential resurgence of conflict involving Eritrea. Local authorities have solicited assistance from the federal government due to challenges to their leadership, while international embassies promote urgent dialogue to alleviate rising tensions. Tigray, devastated by war from 2020 to 2022, is still experiencing instability despite a peace agreement established in November 2022.

The conflict previously claimed an estimated 600,000 lives and involved local forces battling the federal government, allied militias, and Eritrean troops. The atmosphere has further intensified with disputes among factions and a perceived deterioration in Eritrea-Ethiopia relations following the peace accord. Veteran politician Getachew Reda was appointed to lead the interim administration but faces resistance from his former ally, Debretsion Gebremichael.

Recently, Debretsion’s forces have taken control of Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, leading to local apprehension regarding a possible return to historical conflict. Getachew has since suspended three generals from the Tigray Defence Forces, accusing them of attempting a take-over of the region. Experts fear that Eritrea may exploit these internal conflicts to incite further aggression toward Ethiopia.

Kjetil Tronvoll, an Oslo University professor, emphasized the precarious nature of the situation, stating, “We have been close to a new conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia for the past two years.” Factors contributing to escalating tensions include Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s dissatisfaction with the peace agreement, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ambitions regarding a Red Sea port, and geopolitical interests involving Middle Eastern powers.

Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have fluctuated significantly since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, experiencing a violent terrorist dispute from 1998 to 2000. Although Abiy was celebrated for re-establishing peace in 2018, relations soured post the Tigray war conclusion in 2022, with Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of aggressive military actions.

Recent statements from multiple Western embassies highlighted the urgency of preventing renewed violence, urging adherence to the peace agreement and immediate dialogue. France has urged its citizens in Tigray to procure emergency supplies, highlighting travel advisories due to ongoing clashes in the region. Getachew’s administration has appealed for assistance from the Ethiopian government, asserting that military support is not sought at this time. However, responses from federal authorities in Addis Ababa remain pending.

The escalating tensions and rival faction disputes in Tigray, alongside a precarious relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea, evoke fears of another conflict. While leaders attempt to navigate the situation through dialogue and request assistance, the underlying causes of instability necessitate vigilant international attention to avert a potential humanitarian catastrophe. It is imperative for the involved parties to uphold the peace agreement achieved in 2022 to secure a peaceful resolution.

Original Source: www.inkl.com