Ethiopia’s Tigray forces, led by Getachew Reda, are facing military advances from a rival TPLF faction, leading Reda to engage Western diplomats for assistance. The TPLF is now split between Reda’s moderate faction and a more radical group led by Debretsion Gebremichael. Civilians are reportedly suffering as tensions escalate, with significant implications for the peace agreement established in 2022. The current leadership dynamics remain critical in addressing the conflict.
In recent developments in Ethiopia, the interim president of the Tigray region, Getachew Reda, convened diplomats from key Western nations, including Italy, to address concerns over the military advances made by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Reda expressed the need for diplomatic measures to prevent a resurgence of conflict, highlighting the urgent challenges faced by the interim administration amid rising tensions. He stated, “I briefed the ambassadors… on recent developments in Tigray and the challenges that the interim administration continues to face.”
The TPLF, previously the ruling party in Tigray, is now fragmented into two factions. Reda leads the more moderate faction, while the radical faction is aligned with the former regional president, Debretsion Gebremichael. Reda was recently dismissed from his vice-presidency due to perceived leniency towards the central government, a position now held by Amanuel Assefa. Reports have confirmed that the rival faction has gained control over Adigrat and the capital, Mekele’s airport. Local sources have noted troubling incidents, including the shooting of civilians in response to protests against TPLF actions.
The recent offensive follows Reda’s dismissal of three military leaders whom he accused of inciting discord. In his appeal to Addis Ababa, Reda emphasized that certain security forces were acting counter to the interests of the Tigray people, labeling them as a criminal clique. He condemned the faction’s actions, asserting that they detracted from the peace agreement reached in November 2022, which aimed to end the regional conflict. Reda criticized the offensive as a rash initiative by military officers, undermining the political stability of Tigray.
Debretsion’s faction, dominating the recent military operations, is bolstered by prominent figures within the TPLF. This includes Fetlework Gebregziabher, who oversees the party’s internal affairs, and Alem Gebrewahd, a former key figure. The current leadership has historically played a critical role in shaping the TPLF’s strategy. Notably, Getachew Assefa, known for his intelligence expertise, remains influential within this faction. The situation in Tigray necessitates careful diplomatic engagement to navigate the ongoing tensions and prevent further conflict.
The situation in Tigray is precarious, with political divisions within the TPLF threatening to reignite conflict. Getachew Reda’s diplomatic outreach reflects a recognition of the urgent need for a cohesive response to regional instability. The involvement of pivotal figures within the TPLF indicates that the factional struggle may continue to affect the trajectory of peace in the region. Overall, proactive diplomatic efforts are crucial to ensure that the aspirations of the Tigray people are upheld, supporting a lasting resolution to tensions.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
