Ethiopia’s Internal Divisions in Tigray: Fears of Renewed Conflict

Ethiopia faces renewed conflict fears due to internal TPLF divisions and escalating tensions with Eritrea, compounded by economic panic in Tigray. Recent clashes signal increasing instability, with leadership struggles within the TPLF and delays in peace agreement implementation further complicating matters. General Tsadkan warns of imminent warfare between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Ethiopia’s internal divisions, especially within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), are causing anxiety over potential new conflicts. Despite a peace deal that ended the Tigray war over two years ago, the situation is precarious due to ongoing tensions with Eritrea and internal strife within TPLF factions.

The Tigray region is experiencing a crisis marked by panic due to long fuel lines, increased bank withdrawals, and skyrocketing food prices. The population, still recovering from a brutal conflict that resulted in approximately 600,000 deaths between 2020 and 2022, fears a return to violence as new clashes emerge.

Clashes erupted in March when the interim Tigray administration dismissed three high-ranking Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) officers. Following this, the TDF regained control over key governmental institutions in Mekele and the city of Adigrat, reflecting escalating tensions.

The core issue of the crisis lies in internal TPLF divisions concerning the implementation of the November 2022 peace agreement. With over one million displaced citizens unable to return home and Eritrean troops still present, tensions are at a breaking point. Historian Gérard Prunier noted that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s hesitance may stem from an aim to further marginalize the Tigrayans, who previously held power.

A leadership struggle within the TPLF between Getachew Reda and TPLF president Debretsion Gebremichael further complicates the situation. The ongoing power tussle suggests a shift in control that could impact regional stability.

Compounding these internal issues, tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are rising. Reports indicate Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki may be backing TPLF secessionists. This situation poses a significant risk of igniting a wider conflict.

General Tsadkan Gebretensae has warned that a war with Eritrea could occur imminently and called for urgent interventions to prevent Tigray from becoming a battleground in the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Ethiopia’s internal divisions, particularly within the TPLF, pose risks of renewed conflict, fueled by economic strains and tensions with Eritrea. Internal leadership struggles and the delayed fulfillment of the peace agreement exacerbate these fears. The potential for violence emphasizes the need for urgent action to stabilize the region and protect Tigrayan civilians from further suffering.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com