The Tigray interim government in Ethiopia seeks federal intervention after a TPLF faction seized key towns, raising civil war fears. Internal rifts within the TPLF have led to recent violent confrontations, prompting warnings about escalating tensions. The situation demands international monitoring to uphold the Pretoria Peace Agreement, amid concerns regarding its implications for regional stability.
The interim government of Ethiopia’s Tigray region has issued an urgent appeal to the federal government for intervention after a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) took control of crucial towns. This seizure raises concerns over a potential resurgence of civil conflict, particularly following the recent capture of Adigrat and Adi-Gudem by the TPLF faction, which has resulted in numerous injuries among civilians due to violent confrontations.
The TPLF previously engaged in a destructive two-year conflict against federal forces, culminating in a peace agreement in November 2022. Under this agreement, a TPLF-led interim government was established. The war, which began in November 2020, caused extensive casualties and displacements, with many individuals facing severe food shortages. Recently, the TPLF has experienced internal division, highlighted by the expulsion of interim government head Getachew Reda and his cabinet members by TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael.
In response to these developments, Reda has temporarily suspended four military commanders believed to align with Gebremichael’s faction and has warned of a potential coup attempt by the TPLF. A statement from the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau cautioned that the region might face “another crisis,” urging attention from the international community, which previously oversaw the peace agreement.
Reda emphasized the importance of international monitoring to address the escalating issues in Tigray, pointing out the implications of deteriorating conditions for the peace agreement. Conversely, TPLF deputy chairman Amanuel Assefa contended that the current turmoil is unrelated to the Pretoria agreement, asserting that the TPLF remains the legitimate custodian of the accord and thus should refrain from creating further tensions.
The current situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region reflects significant instability following the TPLF faction’s recent territorial gains. With fears of a renewed civil conflict resurfacing, the interim government has called for federal intervention and highlighted the necessity for international oversight. The internal rift within the TPLF adds further complexity to the already volatile environment, as leaders criticize and challenge each other’s legitimacy. As tensions rise, the fate of the peace agreement and the safety of the Tigrayan population hang in the balance.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
