Ethiopia’s Tigray region risks renewed conflict as the TPLF seizes Adigrate and challenges federal control. Internal party divisions deepen with leadership struggles. Calls for federal support arise amidst accusations of Eritrea and Egypt’s involvement in regional instability, necessitating urgent international diplomatic intervention to prevent escalating violence and maintain peace agreements.
Ethiopia’s Tigray region faces a potential resurgence of civil conflict two and a half years after the Pretoria agreements aimed to restore peace. On a recent Wednesday, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) proclaimed control over Adigrate, the region’s second-largest city, dismissing the provisional administration imposed by the federal government. The TPLF named a new local leader, accusing the prior officials of loyalty to the central government in Addis Ababa.
Following this takeover, TPLF forces extended their influence over the airport in Mekele, the regional capital. Reports indicate unrest in the nearby town of Adi Gudom, where militia actions reportedly led to violent confrontations with demonstrators. This escalation coincides with internal tensions in the TPLF, particularly after four high-ranking military officers were dismissed for perceived threats to stability.
The split within the TPLF, which emerged after an August congress, breeds further division in Ethiopian politics. The factional conflict is primarily between moderate leaders, like Getachew Reda, and a radical group aligned with former regional president Debretsion Gebremichael. Reda’s recent removal as vice-president ignited tensions as he sought federal assistance amid escalating hostilities from the rival faction.
In his appeals for support, Reda characterized the military actions as reckless overreach by certain army officers, and he sought diplomatic intervention from Western ambassadors to prevent further deterioration in Tigray. He emphasized the shared objective of avoiding a return to widespread warfare, warning of the multidimensional involvement of regional actors.
The TPLF faction led by Gebremichael dismissed Reda’s calls for external intervention, labeling them a significant threat to the fragile Pretoria Agreement. This faction condemned the suspension of military leaders as unauthorized and suggested it endangered the security of Tigray, asserting their role as protectors of regional stability against perceived external influences.
In response, local opposition parties rallied behind Reda’s interim administration, denouncing the TPLF faction’s actions as a coup attempt. They accused Eritrea of inciting hostilities in collaboration with other foreign entities, particularly raising concerns over Egypt’s involvement in destabilizing actions against Ethiopia. The opposition has urged international support to mitigate the potential for escalating regional chaos.
Both Egypt and Eritrea have faced allegations of interfering in the internal dynamics of Tigray, reportedly backing factions opposed to the interim administration. Unconfirmed reports suggest ties to illicit activities involving smuggling by TPLF leaders. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that Egypt and Eritrea are forging closer ties to undermine Ethiopia’s influence in the region.
An emerging fear is the strained relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, illustrated by mutual accusations of supporting conflict in the Horn of Africa. Only time will reveal whether these growing tensions will lead to broader regional instability or if diplomatic negotiations can restore lasting peace in Tigray.
The Tigray region is at a critical juncture as internal conflicts within the TPLF and external influences from Egypt and Eritrea converge. The control of key areas by TPLF forces raises concerns over the potential for renewed civil war. A united international diplomatic effort is essential to stabilize the region and preserve the fragile peace established by the Pretoria agreements, particularly in light of accusations of external interference.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
