Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warns of an imminent war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with preparations nearing completion. He emphasizes the deteriorating situation post-Pretoria peace agreement and the need for immediate action to avert conflict. Internal divisions within Tigray complicate the matter, while former President Mulatu Teshome echoes the dangers of Eritrea exploiting these divisions. Tsadkan urges for the full implementation of peace measures to avert catastrophic outcomes.
Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President and Democratization Cabinet Secretariat of the Tigray Interim Administration, has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He indicated that preparations for war are nearing completion and highlighted Tigray’s vulnerability to becoming the central battleground. He underscored that immediate action is necessary to prevent conflict, as the prospect of peace diminishes rapidly.
Tsadkan articulated that the collaboration between the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments has steadily weakened since the Pretoria peace agreement, making war increasingly probable. He asserted, “Preparations are in their final stages,” emphasizing that once military mobilization reaches a critical point, it becomes exceedingly difficult to halt it. Tsadkan characterized Eritrea’s intent as “predatory state behavior,” aimed at destabilizing neighboring countries, particularly Ethiopia and Sudan, to fulfill its ambitions.
He warned that within Tigray, internal divisions might further complicate matters, as factions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) may seek alliances with Eritrea to protect their interests and potentially remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. His remarks suggest a troubling desire for power among certain leaders that disregards the well-being of Tigray’s populace.
Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome reinforced Tsadkan’s warnings, alleging that President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea is exploiting TPLF divisions to undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement. He cautioned that Eritrea’s actions might escalate hostilities in northern Ethiopia and dismantle the peace process. In contrast, Eritrean officials have dismissed these allegations, labeling them as unfounded excuses for warmongering and asserting that Ethiopia’s internal issues should not be externalized.
In light of these mounting tensions, Tsadkan cautioned that a renewed war would have catastrophic ramifications, predicting significant geopolitical changes in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He urged for decisive action to prevent conflict, advocating for the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement as the optimal path forward. Tsadkan concluded with an urgent call for both the Ethiopian government and international stakeholders to intervene before it becomes too late, warning that a swift resolution—whether through military or diplomatic means—would ultimately serve the best interests of Tigray and the broader region.
In summary, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae has issued a stark warning regarding the imminent threat of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, emphasizing Tigray’s precarious position amidst deteriorating relations. He has urged the need for immediate interventions to salvage peace and avoid devastating consequences. The perspectives of both Tsadkan and former President Mulatu Teshome highlight the intricate web of regional dynamics that could lead to widespread instability, reinforcing the critical importance of maintaining diplomatic efforts to uphold existing agreements.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
