Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Faces Escalating Tensions Amid TPLF Divide

Getachew Reda, interim president of Tigray, has engaged Western ambassadors to address concerns over the TPLF’s military advance. Reda advocates for diplomatic action to prevent a new conflict, following a split within the TPLF into factions led by himself and Debretsion Gebremichael. The situation escalated with reports of civilian casualties amid recent captures of strategic locations by Debretsion’s faction. He urges the federal government to recognize the need for stability in Tigray.

In a recent development, Getachew Reda, the interim president of the Tigray region, convened ambassadors from several major Western nations, including Italy, to discuss growing concerns over the military advances made by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Reda aims to foster diplomatic efforts to prevent a resurgence of conflict, briefing the ambassadors on the region’s pressing challenges.

During the consultations, Reda emphasized the need to halt the deteriorating situation and underscored the necessity of all parties involved in the Pretoria peace agreement taking proactive steps to avoid a return to war. The TPLF has become divided into two factions, led by Reda and the more radical Debretsion Gebremichael, following the end of the Tigray conflict from 2020-2022.

Recent military activity has seen the rival faction led by Debretsion capture key locations, including Adigrat and the airport in Mekele. Reports from local media indicated the tragic shooting of civilians protesting against TPLF actions. This escalation follows Reda’s dismissal of three army commanders accused of inciting conflict, highlighting the urgent need for stability in the region.

Reda has reached out to the federal government in Addis Ababa, asserting that those claiming to act on behalf of security forces do not represent the interests of Tigray citizens nor the interim administration. He denounced the attacks as misguided actions by a small group of army officers, which jeopardize the aspirations of the Tigray people and contravene the Pretoria peace agreement established in November 2022.

Responses from the Ethiopian government and TPLF leadership remain absent. The faction led by Debretsion comprises notable figures within the party, including Fetlework Gebregziabher and Getachew Assefa, each playing pivotal roles in the group’s strategy and decision-making processes.

The ongoing tensions in Tigray highlight a critical juncture for both regional and federal authorities in Ethiopia. As diplomatic discussions unfold, the stakes remain high, with potential implications for peace and stability. Continued dialogue and concerted action are essential to avoid the resurgence of conflict in the region.

Original Source: www.agenzianova.com