Ethiopia’s Tigray Division and Rising Tensions with Eritrea Spark Conflict Fears

Ethiopia faces renewed fears of conflict due to internal divisions in the TPLF, rising tensions with Eritrea, and ongoing socio-economic strain. Recent clashes in Tigray’s capital reflect deeper political rifts, while concerns grow over potential hostilities fueled by foreign involvement. Experts urge immediate action to avert renewed violence, emphasizing the need for stability in the region.

Ethiopia is facing renewed fears of conflict as internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and escalating tensions with Eritrea emerge. Over two years after a peace agreement concluded the Tigray war, residents experience panic due to economic distress marked by long fuel lines and soaring food prices. The 2020-2022 conflict resulted in significant loss of life, and the current situation leaves many anxious about the implications of rekindled warfare.

Recent clashes in Tigray’s capital, Mekele, stem from the interim administration’s dismissal of three senior Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) officers. Following these events, the TDF regained control over governmental institutions and major cities, deepening the political strife within the region. Delayed implementation of the November 2022 peace deal exacerbates the crisis, leaving over a million displaced individuals without the means to return home.

The political rift intensifies as a leadership struggle unfolds between TPLF President Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda, the newly appointed interim administrator. This discord arises alongside the presence of Eritrean troops, categorized as “foreign forces” in peace negotiations, raising concerns of a volatile environment ripe for renewed hostilities.

Ethiopia’s ongoing tensions with Eritrea are further complicated by claims of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s support for TPLF factions, highlighting the potential for conflict escalation. Experts warn that the internal power struggles and external pressures create a precarious situation that could lead Ethiopia into a new war. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae emphasizes the urgency to prevent Tigray from becoming a battleground for broader regional conflicts, urging that “we have suffered enough.”

Ethiopia’s precarious political landscape, marked by internal TPLF divisions and anxious relations with Eritrea, elicits fears of renewed conflict. With lingering socio-economic turmoil, leadership disputes, and foreign military presence, the potential for violence remains high. The international community must acknowledge the urgency of this situation to prevent future suffering in Tigray and ensure lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com