Possible Conflict Between Eritrea and Ethiopia Raises Regional Concerns

The Tigray Interim Administration has warned of imminent war preparations between Eritrea and Ethiopia, with Tigray potentially becoming a battleground. General Tsadkan alleges Eritrean hostility, asserting that the prospect of war is becoming inevitable. There are concerns this conflict could extend to regional instability affecting Sudan. Former officials have echoed these fears, but Eritrea refutes these claims.

The Tigray Interim Administration has alerted the public regarding a looming conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, emphasizing that preparations for such a war are nearing completion. General Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, indicated that the Tigray region may serve as the new frontline in this escalating tension, labeling the potential war as ‘inevitable’ and accusing Eritrea of hostility.

General Tsadkan expressed deep concerns, stating, “At any moment, the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out,” and emphasized the risks that a renewed conflict could have on neighboring regions, particularly Sudan and the Red Sea area. He acknowledged Tigray’s desire to remain peaceful but cautioned that with the narrowing options for diplomacy, conflict may become unavoidable.

He reflected on the deteriorating alliance between Ethiopia and Eritrea post the Pretoria agreement, which had momentarily halted hostilities in Tigray. Tsadkan warned that the finalization of military preparations could soon make it increasingly difficult to retract from potential conflict scenarios.

Tsadkan accused Eritrea of engaging in predatory conduct at the expense of surrounding nations, claiming that Eritrea perceives Tigray as a significant hurdle in its ambitions. He noted that Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki may believe that the Pretoria agreement has restrained Eritrea’s aspirations.

He also suggested that some factions within the fragmented Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) might consider aligning with Eritrea to eliminate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, but eventually, they could turn against Eritrea, driven by a desire for power without accountability for the populace’s suffering.

In response to these tensions, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome voiced similar criticisms of President Isaias Afwerki, contending that his actions risk undermining the Pretoria Peace Agreement and could revive conflict in northern Ethiopia. Mulatu highlighted Eritrea’s alleged efforts to sow discord within the TPLF and destabilize Ethiopia’s Amhara state to facilitate turmoil.

Eritrea has refuted these claims, insisting they are mere attempts to justify a warmongering stance. Information Minister Yemane G. Meskel characterized such accusations as unfounded and asserted that Ethiopia’s internal issues should not be attributed to external factors, emphasizing that the region’s troubles originate from within Ethiopia itself.

The Eritrean government further denied allegations of its military presence in Ethiopia, maintaining that the Pretoria Agreement is primarily an internal Ethiopian concern.

In summary, General Tsadkan Gebretensae’s statements reflect growing fears of an imminent conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, particularly involving the Tigray region. Accusations of Eritrean hostility and predatory behavior highlight the fragile dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Despite attempts at peace, the tensions continue to escalate, raising concerns about potential regional instability as both historical grievances and power struggles resurface.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com