Officials from Ethiopia’s Tigray region have warned of the potential for war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, risking further humanitarian crises in the Horn of Africa. The situation is exacerbated by a split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the mobilization of military resources by both nations. Experts caution that tensions could escalate, imperiling the region further. Historical animosities add complexity to the fragile peace that exists.
Recent warnings from officials in Ethiopia’s Tigray region indicate a significant risk of renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, raising concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa. Direct military confrontations between these two major African armies would undermine the peace efforts for which Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, complicating existing issues within Sudan and Somalia.
General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a Tigray regional leader, stated in an article that “At any moment war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out.” He highlighted that recent developments, including a split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), are escalating tensions, particularly after the dissident faction captured the town of Adigrat.
Tigray’s interim administration head, Getachew Reda, has requested governmental support in the face of the dissidents. He expressed concern that ordinary Tigrayans may once again suffer due to a conflict they do not support. Amidst these developments, the Ethiopian federal government remains silent, while Eritrea has mobilized its military and Ethiopia has sent troops towards its border, as confirmed by multiple sources.
Analysts Payton Knopf and Alexander Rondos emphasized in a recent essay that the situation bears danger, describing it as “dry tinder waiting for a match.” Historical animosities persist between Ethiopia and Eritrea, stemming from a violent conflict that led to Eritrea’s independence in 1993 and a subsequent border war, although a peace agreement was reached in 2018.
However, the ongoing exclusion of Eritrea from peace discussions and Prime Minister Abiy’s remarks about Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations have further deteriorated relations. The recent security pact between Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia is perceived as a strategic move against Ethiopia’s ambitions, marking a resurgence of tension in the region.
In conclusion, the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea is poised to intensify with alarming warnings from Tigray officials indicating an imminent threat of war. The potential humanitarian implications of renewed conflict, coupled with a history of strife between the nations, underscores the urgency for diplomatic engagement. As regional dynamics shift, the international community must remain vigilant to prevent a crisis in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
