Rising Tensions in Tigray Raise Concerns of New Conflict

Tensions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have intensified due to clashes among factions, raising fears of renewed conflict involving Eritrea. Analysts warn that these disputes threaten the fragile peace established after the Tigray war, which resulted in significant casualties. International powers urge for dialogue and de-escalation as Eritrea’s provocations further complicate the situation.

Concerns over renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have escalated following recent clashes among rival factions. These tensions may jeopardize the delicate peace established after the devastating Tigray war, which resulted in approximately 600,000 fatalities. Analysts and local residents fear that the resurgence of violence could lead to a broader conflict involving both Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The recent fighting stems from disputes between Tigray’s interim leader, Getachew Reda, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leader, Debretsion Gebremichael. On Tuesday, Debretsion’s forces captured Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, heightening fears of an imminent larger confrontation. Getachew has accused factions within the Tigray Defence Forces of attempting to seize control over the region.

Experts warn that Eritrea might exploit the disorder to initiate military actions. Kjetil Tronvoll, a professor at Oslo University, noted, “We have been close to a new conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia for the past two years,” citing the deteriorating relationship between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki as a potential catalyst for renewed violence.

International organizations, including the United States, Britain, Japan, and the European Union, are urging all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and de-escalate tensions to avert another conflict. The United Nations has expressed significant concern and called for immediate diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.

France has also advised its citizens in Tigray to prepare emergency supplies due to the increase in violence observed in Adigrat and the regional capital, Mekele. The historically tenuous relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has deteriorated since the conclusion of the Tigray war in 2022. Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of conducting an “intense campaign” against it, raising fears of a potential war. Moreover, Getachew’s administration has requested non-military assistance from the Ethiopian government, but Addis Ababa has yet to respond publicly to the situation.

In summary, the recent clashes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region exemplify the fragility of the peace achieved after the Tigray war. Rising tensions among rival factions and accusations between Ethiopia and Eritrea raise alarms of a possible return to conflict. International powers are advocating for de-escalation and dialogue to stabilize the situation, while France has cautioned its citizens regarding the potential for violence. Overall, the geopolitical dynamics in the region require continued monitoring and proactive diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

Original Source: newscentral.africa