Ethiopia’s Tigray region has requested federal help as a faction of the TPLF seized control of Adigrat, raising fears of renewed conflict. The TPLF has split into factions since a peace agreement ended a two-year war, leading to accusations and military dismissals. Getachew Reda urges federal intervention to uphold the Pretoria Agreement and prevent further violence.
On Wednesday, officials in Ethiopia’s Tigray region requested federal assistance following the seizure of a town by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This event raises concerns of a potential resurgence of conflict in the region, which has experienced extensive turmoil in recent years due to a two-year war with the federal government.
The interim administration of Tigray, established in 2023 after a peace agreement ended the previous conflict, is currently led by Getachew Reda. However, the TPLF has fractured into two factions, each claiming leadership authority.
Getachew Reda reported that rival faction leader Debretsion Gebremichael had taken control of the town of Adigrat. Getachew has since dismissed three senior army commanders for allegedly attempting to incite internal strife.
In his statement, Getachew expressed concern over unauthorized security forces acting on behalf of a “backward and criminal clique” and urged the federal government to act. He emphasized the need for support to prevent further escalation, referencing the Pretoria Agreement signed in South Africa in 2022, which seeks to maintain peace in Tigray.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region illustrates the precarious state of peace following a lengthy conflict. The request for federal intervention by the Tigray administration underscores the urgency of addressing internal divisions within the TPLF. As tensions rise, the need for a cohesive response from the federal government becomes critical to ensure stability and adherence to existing peace agreements.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
