Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Faces Renewed Conflict Amid Internal Divisions
Following a peace deal that ended the Tigray war, internal divisions within the TPLF and rising tensions with Eritrea are raising fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia. Economic hardships and a leadership struggle exacerbate the situation, with calls for urgent measures to prevent Tigray from becoming a battleground.
In the aftermath of a peace agreement that concluded the Tigray conflict, internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and escalating tensions with Eritrea are generating concerns regarding a potential resurgence of violence in Ethiopia. The Tigray region continues to grapple with the aftereffects of the war that took place from 2020 to 2022, resulting in an estimated 600,000 fatalities.
Recently, widespread panic has engulfed Tigray, characterized by long queues for fuel, massive withdrawals from banks, and skyrocketing food prices. Residents are apprehensive about reliving the traumatic experiences of the previous conflict. The TPLF, which governed Ethiopia for nearly thirty years, is embroiled in further strife within its own ranks, compounded by a growing friction with Eritrea.
On March 11, clashes occurred in Mekele, Tigray’s capital, after the interim administration dismissed three high-ranking officers from the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF). Subsequently, by March 13, the TDF regained control of various government institutions and the regional media, including Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city.
At the core of the escalating crisis are disputes within the TPLF pertaining to the execution of the November 2022 peace deal. Many displaced individuals cannot return home, armed TDF factions remain active, and Eritrean forces, referred to as “foreign troops” in the peace agreement, continue to operate in Ethiopian territory.
Historian Gérard Prunier highlighted that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is perceived as reluctant to fully implement the peace deal, suggesting his motives include marginalizing the Tigrayan population, which previously held power in Ethiopia until being sidelined over the past decade.
Alongside this internal leadership struggle, tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are becoming increasingly pronounced. Allegedly, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki recently met with TPLF leaders in Asmara, a claim Debretsion, the TPLF president, refutes. Prunier expressed concern that Afwerki may support the secessionists, not due to ideological alignment, but out of a desire to reconfigure Ethiopia to his vision.
The looming threat of conflict remains significant. General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a notable Tigrayan strategist, warned that a war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could erupt at any moment, urging for immediate preventative measures to avert Tigray being drawn into a broader proxy conflict. He poignantly stated, “We have suffered enough.”
Ethiopia stands at a precarious juncture with deepening internal divisions within the TPLF and deteriorating relations with Eritrea, leading to fears of renewed conflict. Amidst economic turmoil and a power struggle, the implementation of the peace agreement remains contentious. Immediate actions are essential to prevent potential escalation into a broader regional conflict that could further devastate Tigray and affect the stability of the region.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
