Fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray rise amid rival faction infighting. Getachew Reda’s interim government faces challenges from Debretsion Gebremichael’s faction. Tigray, devastated by war from 2020 to 2022, has seen tensions escalate despite a peace agreement. Urgent dialogue is sought by international embassies as instability grows, raising concerns about Eritrean involvement.
Concerns regarding a fresh outbreak of hostilities in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have intensified due to infighting between rival factions. Analysts and locals indicate that this internal strife could potentially reignite conflict with Eritrea. Following the challenge to the power of Tigray’s administrator, Getachew Reda, international embassies have stressed the need for urgent dialogue to mitigate rising tensions.
Tigray has been scarred by a devastating conflict from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths. Although a peace agreement was reached in November 2022, stability remains elusive, given the resurgence of disputes among rival factions and deteriorating relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Getachew Reda has been appointed to lead an interim administration but faces opposition from Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, who seized control of Adigrat, Tigray’s significant city.
Amid accusations from Getachew, who suspended three generals of the Tigray Defence Forces, the potential for a new conflict looms. Kjetil Tronvoll, a professor at Oslo University, highlighted that tensions have been escalating for two years, with various factors like dissatisfaction with the peace agreement contributing to instability. The situation in Tigray could serve as a catalyst for renewed hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Relations between the two nations have fluctuated significantly since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, marked by a devastating war over territorial disputes from 1998 to 2000. Although peace was achieved in 2018, strife has resumed, with Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of aggressive actions. General Tsadkan Gebretensae warned that an armed confrontation could erupt at any moment, underscoring the fragility of the situation.
In response to the volatile circumstances, Western embassies—including the United States and Britain—called for a cessation of violence and adherence to the 2022 agreement. Practical measures such as advising citizens to stock up on emergency supplies have also been suggested, reinforcing the seriousness of the current conflicts in Tigray. Getachew’s administration is requesting support from the Ethiopian government, emphasizing that the assistance required is non-military. Federal authorities have yet to respond publicly.
The situation in Tigray exemplifies the complex interplay of regional politics, internal strife, and the specter of renewed conflict with Eritrea. Despite previous peace efforts, the fragility of the current environment poses serious concerns for both national and international observers. As tensions mount, the call for urgent dialogue and conflict de-escalation remains critical to prevent a return to large-scale violence in this historically troubled region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
