Ethiopia’s Tigray region continues to face severe challenges post-war, including internal political divisions, humanitarian crises, and economic collapse. The Pretoria agreement signed in 2022 aimed to restore peace and order but has seen slow execution and significant obstacles. As a result, the region’s potential for recovery remains fragile, necessitating urgent international intervention.
Ethiopia’s prolonged turmoil has significantly impacted the Tigray region, following years of leadership by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, which was overtaken by the Prosperity Party in 2018. A military offensive declared by the federal government against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front on November 4, 2020, ignited a devastating two-year conflict, leading to an estimated 600,000 civilian deaths, making it one of the deadliest conflicts of the 21st century.
The signing of the Pretoria agreement on November 2, 2022, marked an attempt to resolve the crisis; however, Tigray continues to experience severe political instability and humanitarian distress. Basic necessities like food, water, and medicine are scarce, and reconstruction efforts remain stagnant. The local economy has collapsed, significantly contributing to an alarming 81% youth unemployment rate, resulting in widespread social unrest and hardship among residents.
Meanwhile, internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front have emerged, particularly between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda, aggravating the political climate in the region. Recent calls for new regional leadership have incited public protests and indicated a struggle for power that undermines the established interim administration, initially supported by the Pretoria agreement in March 2023.
The Pretoria agreement aimed to end hostilities and facilitate humanitarian aid while fostering an interim government. While some successes have been noted, including the re-establishment of certain services, challenges persist due to the presence of armed groups hindering the full disarmament of Tigray fighters and internal political divisions complicating governance.
Should the Pretoria agreement remain inadequately executed, the humanitarian crisis may worsen, and the weakened interim government could struggle to maintain order and security. The ongoing political tensions could further ignite conflict, particularly involving Eritrean forces, which raises the risk of renewed hostilities reminiscent of the past. Immediate intervention from the African Union and the international community is crucial to mitigate escalating chaos in the region.
In summary, although the conflict in Tigray has officially ended, the region continues to suffer significantly from political fragmentation and dire humanitarian conditions. The Pretoria agreement offers a framework for recovery; however, challenges such as internal divisions, lack of resource access, and lingering security threats must be addressed. Without effective governance and support from international entities, Tigray risks falling into further turmoil and conflict.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
