The Horn of Africa remains a conflict-ridden area due to the actions of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, who thrives on instability. His regime, characterized by extreme governance and forced military service, has driven many Eritreans to flee. Recent tensions threaten renewed conflict, which could destabilize the region further and lead to global consequences. Urgent diplomatic action and support for established peace agreements are crucial to prevent chaos.
The Horn of Africa is a historically volatile region, heavily influenced by geopolitical rivalries. It serves as a corridor for strategic resources and has been a site for numerous conflicts due to its significance. Eritrea, under President Isaias Afwerki, has been a persistent player in exacerbating instability across neighboring countries including Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia, with Isaias often seeking conflict much like a pyromaniac seeks to ignite fires.
For over thirty years, Isaias has ruled Eritrea with an iron fist, lacking essential governance structures such as a constitution or civil service. Instead, absolute power lies with the presidency, which has led to indefinite military conscription for citizens. Young Eritreans often flee the country to escape this oppressive regime, making escape a significant aspect of Eritrean life, overshadowed by the horrors of forced military service.
The Eritrean state’s primary focus seems to be inciting conflict, particularly as Isaias looks to exploit divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Following the 2018 peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which was promoted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Isaias’s reluctance for lasting peace has persisted, undermining potential concessions for stability in both nations.
After the TPLF’s attempt to reclaim power in 2020 and the subsequent bloody conflict, Isaias engaged Eritrean forces, leading to devastating consequences in the Tigray region. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2022, Isaias has continued his manipulative tactics intending to derail the peace efforts in favor of fostering chaos, which he thrives upon.
Recent developments indicate troubling shifts, as factions within the TPLF express intent to dismantle the interim administration established by the peace agreement. Such a breakdown would have dire consequences, not only for Ethiopia but also for the wider region, risking the return of violence amidst existing instability in neighboring nations.
The stakes are higher than ever, with chaos potentially spilling over from the Horn of Africa into adjacent regions. Countries like Sudan and Somalia already grapple with internal unrest, while extremist groups grow in influence. A resurgence of conflict in Tigray could further destabilize the region, giving rise to terrorist factions and disrupting global trade through strategic corridors.
The global ramifications of renewed turmoil in the Horn of Africa could lead to mass migrations, straining systems in Europe and beyond while empowering extremist ideologies. As regional stability is in the interest of global powers, there is an urgent need for diplomatic interventions to discourage any destabilizing forces, particularly from Isaias.
Protecting the Pretoria Peace Agreement should be a priority, with efforts to promote regional cooperation through investments in trade and governance. The crisis in the Horn of Africa is not solely an internal issue but resonates on a global scale. An urgent commitment to peace can transform the region into a foundational bridge for commerce and alliances across continents.
In conclusion, the Horn of Africa faces significant challenges rooted in historical conflicts and geopolitical struggles largely influenced by the actions of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. His pursuit of discord exacerbates local tensions and threatens regional stability. The necessity for immediate diplomatic action to preserve peace initiatives like the Pretoria Agreement is critical, as the consequences of chaos would resonate far beyond the region. Global intervention and cooperation are essential to foster lasting peace and unlock the region’s potential for trade and development.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
