Fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region are growing due to infighting among rival factions. The local administrator has sought assistance from the federal government as international embassies advocate for urgent dialogue. The legacy of the 2020-2022 war continues to loom, with instability exacerbated by deteriorating relations with Eritrea and internal challenges following a peace agreement from 2022.
Fears are escalating regarding a potential renewal of conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region due to infighting among rival factions. The region’s administrator has appealed for assistance from the federal government as tensions rise, and international embassies are urging for urgent dialogue to mitigate the situation. Tigray previously experienced a devastating conflict between 2020 and 2022, resulting in an estimated 600,000 casualties, complicating its ongoing quest for stability despite a peace agreement established in November 2022.
Recently, disputes among factions have intensified with deteriorating relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea surfacing shortly after the peace deal. The federal government appointed veteran politician Getachew Reda to lead the interim administration, but he is facing opposition from Debretsion Gebremichael, the leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Forces loyal to Debretsion have recently gained control over Adigrat, the second-largest city in Tigray, prompting local concern over a possible return to previous hostilities.
Getachew Reda has sought to neutralize threats by suspending three generals from the Tigray Defence Forces, alleging an attempt by Debretsion’s faction to dominate the region. The possibility of Eritrea capitalizing on the unrest to launch an invasion raises alarm, with experts like Kjetil Tronvoll noting that both nations have faced increasing tensions over the past two years with no clear trigger for conflict established as yet.
Historically, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have fluctuated since Eritrea gained independence in 1993. They experienced a deadly war from 1998 to 2000 over territorial disputes. While the signing of the peace agreement in 2018 initially improved relations, outcomes shifted adversely following the conclusion of the Tigray war in 2022. Recent claims of aggressive tactics by Ethiopia towards Eritrea further stress these fragile ties.
A collective of Western embassies, including the United States and the European Union, has underscored the urgency of preventing a return to violence, advocating for the protection of the 2022 agreement. France has also cautioned its citizens in Tigray to prepare for emergencies, discouraging travel in light of current internal clashes. Meanwhile, Getachew’s administration has requested support from the federal government, emphasizing their needs do not pertain to military assistance.
In summary, escalating infighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray has ignited fears of a renewed conflict, especially involving Eritrea. The instability follows a tragic history marked by extensive casualties during the last major conflict and ongoing disputes among local factions. With international calls for restraint and urgent dialogue, the situation remains precarious, demanding close monitoring to avoid further escalation of hostilities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
