Renewed Fears of Conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray Amid Rising Tensions

Tensions are escalating in Ethiopia’s Tigray, where rival factions threaten stability despite a 2022 peace agreement following a devastating civil war. France has issued travel warnings and advised its nationals to stock up on supplies due to rising violence, particularly in Adigrat. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has highlighted ongoing fear among Tigrayans as the government faces calls for support.

Tensions are escalating among rival factions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, prompting France to issue travel warnings. Tigray was the battleground for a devastating war from 2020 to 2022, claiming approximately 600,000 lives, with local forces clashing against the federal government, allied militias, and Eritrean troops.

Despite the peace agreement reached in November 2022, disputes between factions have increased unrest in the region. The federal government appointed Getachew Reda, a seasoned Tigrayan politician, as the head of an interim regional administration. However, he faces opposition from Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

Recently, forces loyal to Debretsion have seized control of Adigrat, the second-largest city in Tigray. A local resident expressed concerns, stating that, “the town is under renewed tension, the population fears a return to the bad old days of the war.”

In response, Getachew has suspended three Tigray Defense Forces generals, accusing Debretsion’s faction of attempting to “take over the whole of Tigray.” The French foreign ministry has officially discouraged travel in Tigray, urging nationals to “stock up on emergency supplies (food, water, medicine, and possibly fuel) and to exercise utmost caution.”

Getachew’s administration has requested unspecified assistance from the Ethiopian government, although federal authorities in Addis Ababa have not provided comments. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed remarked in February that Tigrayans “still live in fear and terror amid rumors of war.” France has likewise recommended refraining from unnecessary travel to the northern Afar region, given the heightened tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region remains precarious as tensions mount between rival factions post-conflict. Despite a peace agreement, violence and instability continue, contributing to widespread fear among the local population. International warnings, including from France, highlight the urgent need for caution amid the ongoing conflicts and calls for assistance to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com