Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warns of an impending war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, citing deteriorating relations and final preparations for conflict. He emphasizes the necessity for peace, while acknowledging the potential for escalation due to internal divisions within Tigray. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome supports these concerns, accusing Eritrea of exploiting TPLF divisions. Eritrea counters these claims, calling them unfounded. The situation requires urgent diplomatic interventions to prevent catastrophe.
Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, the Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, has issued a grave warning regarding the potential for renewed war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He noted that preparations for conflict are nearing completion, indicating that Tigray could be the primary battleground. Tsadkan expressed concern that escalation could not only affect these two nations but also spill over into Sudan and the broader Red Sea region.
In his commentary for The Africa Report, Tsadkan emphasized that the option for peace is diminishing, suggesting that war may become the sole alternative. He described the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea as having deteriorated since the Pretoria peace agreement, further signaling a heightened possibility of conflict. He remarked that once military preparations reach a critical stage, it becomes increasingly challenging to avert confrontation.
Tsadkan criticized Eritrea’s conduct, alleging that it exhibits predatory behavior towards its neighbors, particularly Ethiopia and Sudan. He indicated that Eritrea perceives Tigray as a significant obstacle to its regional ambitions and warned of a military initiative aimed at realizing claims made by President Isaias Afwerki. Furthermore, he raised concerns about potential internal divisions within Tigray complicating the situation, suggesting that some local leaders may align with Eritrea for personal gain.
Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome has echoed these views, alleging that Eritrea is trying to exploit divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to destabilize the Pretoria peace agreement. In his opinion piece for Al Jazeera, he cautioned that such actions by Eritrea could reignite conflict in northern Ethiopia and jeopardize peace efforts.
Eritrea, on the other hand, has rejected these allegations, with Information Minister Yemane G. Meskel labeling them as unfounded attempts to justify a war agenda. Eritrea insisted that the underlying challenges affecting the region stem from Ethiopia’s internal issues rather than external interference, denying any military presence in the country.
Tsadkan warned that a renewed conflict would result in catastrophic outcomes, suggesting that post-war geopolitical landscapes in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions would likely undergo significant realignment. He urged stakeholders, including the Ethiopian government and international partners, to work decisively to prevent war and to fully implement the Pretoria agreement. He concluded by asserting that if all efforts to prevent war fail, the swift termination of conflict, whether through military action or diplomacy, would be in the best interests of Tigray and the surrounding region.
In summary, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae has highlighted the urgent need to avert a possible war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, emphasizing that preparatory measures for conflict are in their final stages. He articulated the dangers posed by Eritrea’s ambitions and internal divisions in Tigray. Both local leaders and former officials underscore the risks of renewed conflict, while Eritrea firmly disputes the accusations made against it. The path forward calls for prompt action to uphold peace and uphold the Pretoria agreement.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
