The Tigray region in Ethiopia is experiencing increasing instability, with threats of renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Experts warn that internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front may exacerbate tensions. Flight cancellations and military movements signal an urgent need for attention, as the situation risks igniting a humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region is reported to be increasingly unstable, with warnings from experts of potential conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. As of March 15, sources indicated that flights have been cancelled, reflecting escalating tensions within the region. The instability follows a two-year civil war that concluded with a peace deal in November 2022, which resulted in widespread casualties.
General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a vice president in the interim Tigray administration, expressed that “at any moment, war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out.” Following the peace agreement, tensions have emerged due to a split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), dividing it into factions that govern Tigray differently, leading to fears of renewed violence.
In recent developments, a dissident faction of the TPLF claimed control of Adigrat, accusing the Tigray leadership of neglecting local interests. Already, this faction, named the Tigray Defense Forces, has also captured significant locations within the regional capital, Mekelle. The interim administration head, Getachew Reda, has sought support from the Ethiopian government against these dissidents, who deny any connection to Eritrean forces.
Reda has expressed deep concern regarding the ramifications of external interference, particularly from Eritrea, which he believes may seek to exploit instability in Tigray. He stated that “what concerns me is that the Tigray people may once again become victims of a war they do not believe in.” The possibility of further conflict threatens to undo the peace advancements accomplished through Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s efforts, recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
Concerns are being raised that renewed violence could create a humanitarian disaster, exacerbating the plight of millions affected by ongoing crises in the Horn of Africa, including in Sudan and Somalia. Reports indicate that a war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could ignite greater regional instability amidst existing conflicts.
In summary, the Tigray region of Ethiopia is facing rising tensions that may lead to renewed conflict with Eritrea. The split within the TPLF poses additional risks to stability, with accusations of collaboration and betrayal complicating the political landscape. Efforts to mitigate this potential unrest are critical, as further violence could precipitate a humanitarian crisis in an already strained region.
Original Source: www.catholicnewsagency.com
