Infighting in Tigray raises fears of renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as a regional administrator requests federal assistance amidst rival faction challenges. The region, devastated by war from 2020-2022, struggles to maintain stability following a peace agreement. The international community urges dialogue to avoid further violence, while historical tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea complicate the situation.
Concerns are escalating regarding the potential for renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region due to infighting among rival factions. Analysts and local residents express alarm over the situation, as Tigray’s regional administrator has sought federal support amidst challenges to his authority. International embassies have urged for urgent dialogue to mitigate tensions, given the region’s history of violent conflict.
Ethiopia’s Tigray experienced a devastating war from 2020 to 2022, resulting in up to 600,000 fatalities. Although a peace agreement was reached in November 2022, stability remains elusive, with internal disputes and strained Eritrea-Ethiopia relations exacerbating the unrest. Veteran politician Getachew Reda was appointed to lead the interim regional administration but faces opposition from Debretsion Gebremichael of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, indicating significant factional strife.
A recent power struggle culminated in Debretsion’s forces taking control of Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, igniting fears among residents of a return to previous conflict levels. Getachew has responded by suspending three Tigray Defence Forces generals, accusing the rival faction of attempting a takeover. The intensifying conflict may attract involvement from Eritrea, prompting fears of another war between the two historic rivals.
Experts, including Kjetil Tronvoll from Oslo University, underscore that tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been escalating for years, driven by dissatisfaction with the 2022 peace agreement and geopolitical interests. “We are close to a new conflict… we just do not know what will be the triggering factor,” Tronvoll remarked, highlighting the precarious situation.
The historical relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has oscillated between conflict and cooperation since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Following a bloody border war from 1998 to 2000, peace was brokered by Abiy Ahmed, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize. However, tensions have re-emerged since the conclusion of the Tigray war. Eritrean officials accused Ethiopia of aggressive campaigns against them, raising fears of imminent war.
In response to the unrest, several Western embassies, including those of the United States and the European Union, have voiced their concerns, advocating for the protection of the peace agreement and promoting de-escalation. Additionally, the French government has advised its nationals in Tigray to prepare emergency supplies and exercise caution amid ongoing tensions. The Ethiopian government has yet to issue a response to the requests for assistance from Getachew’s administration.
The situation in Tigray remains precarious, with rising fears of renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea due to escalating internal strife and political rivalries. The historical context of their relationship adds complexity to the current unrest. The international community calls for urgent dialogue and de-escalation to avert catastrophic outcomes. Understanding the dynamics of these factions is critical for any resolution and long-term stability in the region.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
