The Ethiopian Tigray region’s interim government has requested federal assistance after a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized key towns, causing injuries and fears of renewed civil war. Recent power struggles within the TPLF complicate the region’s stability, prompting calls from officials for international oversight to monitor the escalating crisis.
The interim government of Ethiopia’s Tigray region has formally sought help from the federal government following the seizure of key towns by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Fierce clashes have left numerous individuals injured, igniting concerns about a potential resurgence of civil conflict. On Tuesday, the TPLF faction gained control of Adigrat, the second-largest city in Tigray, and subsequently appointed a new administrator, removing the one loyal to the interim government.
On Wednesday night, the TPLF seized Adi-Gudem, a town close to the regional capital, Mekele. Reports indicate several injuries occurred as their forces tried to take control of a government building. The TPLF previously engaged in a devastating two-year conflict against federal forces which concluded in November 2022 with a peace agreement; however, the aftermath has been tumultuous, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement.
Following the war, the TPLF has fractured; its leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, expelled the interim government’s head, Getachew Reda, along with several cabinet members in October. Reda responded by temporarily suspending military commanders aligned with Gebremichael’s faction. A statement from the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau warned that the region is on the verge of another crisis. Reda characterized the TPLF’s latest moves as a “potential coup attempt.”
In a televised interview, Reda stressed the importance of international monitoring of the situation, calling upon the guarantors of the Pretoria Peace Agreement to acknowledge the deteriorating circumstances. He emphasized, “The parties to the Pretoria Agreement should really take into account the deteriorating situation in Tigray and the far-reaching ramifications of the unraveling of the Pretoria agreements.”
In contrast, TPLF deputy chairman Amanuel Assefa asserted that the current turmoil is unrelated to the Pretoria Agreement, attributing it to law enforcement issues instead. He remarked that, “The TPLF and the Tigray forces are the rightful owners of the Pretoria Agreement. Therefore there is no reason to engage in any actions that would violate that.”
In conclusion, the situation in Tigray is rapidly deteriorating as a faction of the TPLF has gained control of major towns, leading to calls for federal intervention. The region faces significant unrest, with the potential for renewed conflict following a period of relative peace. The international community’s involvement is deemed critical to avert further escalation, urging all parties to remain committed to the existing agreements. The context reflects a complex interplay of political maneuvering and regional stability in Ethiopia’s Tigray.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
