Ethiopia’s Tigray region officials seek federal intervention as TPLF factions clash over control, seizing the town of Adigrat amidst fears of renewed conflict following prior peace agreements.
On Wednesday, officials from Ethiopia’s Tigray region called for federal assistance after a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) took control of the town of Adigrat. This seizure raises concerns of potential conflict resurgence in a region still recovering from a devastating two-year war, which ended with a truce in November 2022. The TPLF administers Tigray’s provisional governance, established as part of a peace agreement to stabilize the area after significant loss of life and displacement during the conflict.
The TPLF has since divided into two rival factions, each claiming leadership over the party. On the day of the takeover, faction leader Getachew Reda accused his competitor, Debretsion Gebremichael, of forcibly assuming control of Adigrat. This development has prompted Getachew to dismiss three senior military leaders, alleging their involvement in escalating regional tensions.
Getachew emphasized the need for federal recognition of the situation, urging that the federal government should not remain passive as the Pretoria Agreement, aimed at preventing further violence, is violated. He stated that those acting under the guise of security do not represent the local population or the interim government of Tigray. While the request for comment from Ethiopian officials has gone unanswered, the regional conditions remain precarious.
The Tigray region of Ethiopia is facing a critical juncture as its officials urgently request federal intervention following the seizure of the town of Adigrat by a rival faction. This situation underscores the fragility of the peace established after a brutal conflict and highlights the ongoing divisions within the TPLF. Urgent actions must be taken to uphold agreements meant to prevent further violence and protect the citizens of Tigray from potential instability.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
