Residents of Mekelle in Ethiopia’s Tigray region face fears of renewed conflict as tensions rise, threatening the peace established in late 2022 after a devastating civil war. Anxiety is evident as individuals prepare for instability through fleeing or stockpiling supplies. With both political and territorial disputes rising among the TPLF and the interim administration, the specter of violence looms, exacerbated by strained relations with Eritrea and persistent traumatic memories of the past conflict.
Residents of Mekelle, the primary city in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, express growing fears of rekindled conflict following a fragile peace established in late 2022. The civil war, which resulted in approximately half a million casualties, left scars that remain visible as many people prepare for uncertainty. With sold-out flights to Addis Ababa and emergency supplies being stockpiled, anxiety permeates everyday life in Tigray.
Tseganesh Kassa, an ex-combatant who suffered severe leg injuries, articulates the trauma of war, stating, “I am now a disabled person and my family has been ruined economically. I don’t want to see that again. No-one can handle another war.” The current turmoil stems from a power struggle within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and pertinent concerns over the interim administration’s support for former fighters and displaced individuals.
Tigray’s previous administration lost control of certain territories during the conflict, leading to accusations of treasonous behavior against each other from both factions. The crumbling peace agreement raises alarms about renewed hostilities not only within Ethiopia but also with Eritrea—a potential flashpoint exacerbated by historical grievances from the Tigray war, including reported atrocities against civilians by Eritrean soldiers.
The Tigray interim administration claims Eritrean troops continue to occupy strategic areas, whereas Eritrea’s government dismisses these allegations as unfounded. Regional issues, such as Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access, further complicate relations, increasing the risk of renewed conflict. The looming threat of violence casts a long shadow over the region, with Mekelle’s residents expressing fatigue towards possibility of another war.
Young individuals like Tesfay Gebreabgzi reflect a collective exhaustion from violence, stating, “The youths are tired of violence.” Haimanot Gebremariam reveals the lasting trauma from her children’s involvement in the previous war, underscoring, “We don’t want to shed tears again.” Although physical signs of normality persist, such as operational businesses in Mekelle, the dread of potential upheaval persists, with residents continually monitoring the evolving political landscape.
The people of Tigray are caught in a cycle of anxiety as they face the possibility of renewed conflict despite experiencing a fragile peace. The remnants of the past civil war, coupled with ongoing political tensions between the TPLF and interim administration, fuel fears among residents for their safety and well-being. The historical grievances with Eritrea further complicate the situation, making the prospect of war distressingly tangible once more. As Mekelle’s residents await developments, collective weariness toward violence is palpable, underscoring a desire for lasting peace rather than a return to chaos.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
