Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome Wirtu has accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of exploiting divisions within the TPLF to undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement, potentially reigniting conflict. He warns that Isaias’ maneuvers could destabilize Ethiopia and the region, amid ongoing crises. Mulatu calls for diplomatic efforts to deter threats to peace, emphasizing the global implications of unrest in the Horn of Africa.
Mulatu Teshome Wirtu, former President of Ethiopia, has accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of manipulating divisions within the TPLF to compromise the Pretoria Peace Agreement. He cautions that Isaias’ strategies could incite renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia, threatening the stability of the region. In an article published by Al Jazeera, Mulatu describes Isaias’ actions as calculated moves that may dismantle the existing peace.
The former president, who held office from October 2013 to October 2018 and has served in various diplomatic roles, contends that Eritrea’s leader collaborates with discontented factions within the TPLF. He warns that such alliances risk destabilizing the interim administration established through the peace agreement, which could have dire consequences for both Ethiopia and its neighbors.
Mulatu asserts that Eritrea has been centrally involved in significant conflicts within the Horn of Africa, stating that Isaias has a history of exacerbating instability. He referred to Isaias’ intervention during the TPLF’s attempted power recovery in 2020 as evidence of this trend and labeled the 2022 Pretoria Agreement a setback for Isaias, who views peace as detrimental to his influence.
In light of the critical nature of Ethiopia’s stability—given the crises in neighboring Sudan, Somalia, and the Sahel—Mulatu warns of the potential for chaos across the region. He expresses concern that such turmoil could empower extremist groups and obstruct international trade, particularly through the Red Sea.
Mulatu advocates for proactive diplomatic efforts from global and regional stakeholders to counteract forces opposing peace, emphasizing that this issue extends beyond the African continent and represents a broader global challenge.
In summary, Mulatu Teshome Wirtu’s remarks highlight significant concerns regarding Eritrean interventions in Ethiopian affairs and the potential for renewed conflict in the region. His call for international awareness and action underscores the interconnectedness of regional stability and global security.
Original Source: addisstandard.com