Ethiopia’s Tigray War ended with a peace agreement in November 2022, yet ongoing conflicts between militia groups from the Amhara and Oromia regions pose serious challenges to lasting peace. The Tigray conflict resulted in extensive loss of life, displacement, and heightened international scrutiny. Current tensions over territory and resource control continue to threaten stability in the region.
Ethiopia, renowned for its rich history and unique status as one of the few African nations never extensively colonized, has experienced significant internal conflict in recent years. The notable Tigray conflict lasted from 2020 to 2022, resulting in a devastating toll of thousands dead, over two million displaced, and severe implications for food security in the region.
The war began on November 4, 2020, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered military action against the Tigray region, citing an attack on a government military base as justification. The conflict, however, was rooted in long-standing tensions between Abiy’s administration and the previously dominant Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) following the latter’s diminished power after Abiy’s ascent in 2018.
In January 2022, the Norwegian Nobel Committee publicly admonished Abiy Ahmed, stating, “As prime minister and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Abiy Ahmed has a special responsibility to end the conflict and contribute to peace.” The Tigray War concluded in November 2022 with the Pretoria Agreement, resulting in a ceasefire, humanitarian access pledges, disarmament of TPLF forces, and restoration of services in the region.
While the Tigray conflict has subsided, new tensions have emerged between militia groups in the Amhara and Oromia regions, fueled by complex political, ethnic, and territorial disputes. The Amhara region’s historical dominance contrasts with the marginalization of the Oromo, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, leading to violent clashes over land and resource control.
The ongoing disputes over contested lands in Oromia, particularly in the Wollega area, have exacerbated tensions. Both the Amhara and Oromo communities claim rights to these regions, further complicating an already fragile peace. Despite the end of the war between the federal government and the TPLF, significant challenges remain, as civilians continue to face violence and instability from emerging conflicts within the country.
In summary, while the Tigray War has officially ended with the Pretoria Agreement, Ethiopia faces ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace. The new conflicts between the Amhara and Oromia regions illustrate the complexity of Ethiopia’s ethnic and territorial struggles. With significant populations still affected by violence, the country must navigate these intricate disputes to foster a stable and peaceful future.
Original Source: www.outlookindia.com
