The Tigray Interim Administration has warned of an impending war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, citing final stage preparations and Eritrea’s aggressive posture. General Tsadkan indicated that Tigray could become a battleground and expressed concern over diminishing options for peace. Former President Mulatu Teshome also raised alarms about Eritrea exploiting internal divisions. Eritrea has denied accusations aimed at justifying conflict.
The Tigray Interim Administration has raised alarms regarding a potential conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, indicating that preparations for war are nearing completion. General Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President of the Administration, stated that such a conflict is almost inevitable, attributing this tension to Eritrea’s hostile actions and aggressive stance towards Ethiopia.
General Tsadkan emphasized that the Tigray region may evolve into the frontier of these hostilities. He expressed a desire for peace, although he noted that the path towards it may be diminishing, with war looming as the only feasible resolution. The mix of escalating tensions since the Pretoria Agreement has created a fragile environment.
In his commentary for The Africa Report, General Tsadkan asserted that Eritrea displays predatory behavior, exploiting its neighboring countries, particularly Ethiopia and Sudan. He believes that Eritrea perceives Tigray as an impediment to its regional ambitions, while Isaias Afwerki finds the Pretoria Agreement a significant setback.
Furthermore, he criticized factions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that seek a partnership with Eritrea to eliminate Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, later intending to turn against Eritrea itself. He charged that these leaders are indifferent to the wellbeing of Tigray’s populace due to their thirst for power and impunity.
Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome echoed these sentiments, accusing President Isaias Afwerki of manipulating divisions within the TPLF to destabilize the Pretoria Peace Agreement. He asserted that Eritrea’s recent maneuvers could easily rekindle conflict in northern Ethiopia.
In response to these accusations, Eritrea’s Information Minister denied any allegations, claiming they were baseless and aimed at justifying a war agenda. He further contended that Ethiopia’s internal challenges should not be attributed to external forces, placing the origin of regional instability squarely on Ethiopia itself, thereby dismissing claims of Eritrean military involvement and characterizing the Pretoria Agreement as an internal matter.
The prospect of renewed conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia appears imminent as highlighted by General Tsadkan Gebretensae. The precarious situation stems from Eritrea’s aggressive posture, the fracturing of alliances post-Pretoria Agreement, and ongoing internal strife within Ethiopia. Calls for peace from Tigray’s leadership contrast with the significant tensions that could unravel regional stability at any moment. As tensions rise, the situation warrants vigilant observation and constructive diplomatic engagement.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
