Ethiopia’s Tigray region has requested federal assistance due to a faction of the TPLF seizing control of the town of Adigrat, raising concerns of renewed conflict. Internal divisions within the TPLF have exacerbated the situation, leading to dismissals of military leaders and urgent calls for federal intervention to uphold the peace agreement established post-war.
On Wednesday, officials in Ethiopia’s Tigray region requested federal assistance following the seizure of the town of Adigrat by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This move raised concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict in a region that is still recovering from a devastating two-year war. The TPLF currently governs Tigray through an interim administration established in 2023 under a peace agreement that concluded the war, which had resulted in significant casualties and displacements.
Since the war ended in November 2022, the TPLF has experienced internal divisions, fracturing into two factions, each asserting control over the party. Getachew Reda, who leads one faction, reported that his rival, Debretsion Gebremichael, had taken control of Adigrat. The takeover was subsequently confirmed by Debretsion’s faction on their Facebook page. Following this event, Getachew dismissed three senior military commanders, accusing them of inciting potential conflict within the region.
Getachew Reda emphasized the need for federal intervention, stating, “The federal government must… understand that those acting in the name of the security forces are agents of a backward and criminal clique who do not represent the people or the Interim Administration of Tigray.” He urged that silence should not prevail as the Pretoria Agreement is being undermined, threatening the people of Tigray with further devastation.
The Ethiopian government and representatives from both the Prime Minister’s office and Debretsion were unavailable for immediate comment regarding the unfolding crisis.
The situation in Tigray highlights escalating tensions within the region as factions within the TPLF vie for control, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace established after a brutal conflict. The call for federal intervention underscores the urgency of stabilizing Tigray amidst fears of renewed violence. Continuous support from the central government is crucial to uphold the provisions of the peace agreement and to prevent further suffering in the region’s population.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
