Threat of Conflict Between Ethiopia and Eritrea: A Deteriorating Peace

The threat of direct military clashes between Ethiopia and Eritrea could jeopardize the historic peace process initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, drawing in other regional powers. This conflict risks exacerbating humanitarian crises arising from ongoing issues in Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. General Tsadkan Gebretensae warns that war could erupt at any moment, amidst the backdrop of a devastating civil war that previously claimed many lives.

Direct confrontations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, two of Africa’s largest armies, could significantly undermine the peace process that recently earned Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Analysts suggest that such escalations might also involve other regional powers, further complicating regional stability.

The possibility of renewed conflict presents additional challenges in an area where humanitarian aid cuts have already hindered efforts to support millions impacted by ongoing internal conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia itself.

General Tsadkan Gebretensae, vice president in the interim administration of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, highlighted the precarious situation by stating, “At any moment war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out.” This warning published in The Africa Report emphasizes the tense atmosphere that continues to prevail.

Furthermore, the civil war in Tigray from 2020 to 2022, which involved the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian central government, resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

In summary, the potential for military engagement between Ethiopia and Eritrea poses a severe threat not only to the fragile peace established by Abiy Ahmed but also to the entire Horn of Africa region. With existing humanitarian crises and tensions from past conflicts, the situation calls for immediate international attention and diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.

Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za