ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has warned that the Horn of Africa is facing a “serious risk” of renewed conflict, alleging that a hardline faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with alleged backing from Eritrea, is preparing a possible military offensive against federal forces.
In a joint opinion article published by Al Jazeera, Ethiopian intelligence chief Redwan Hussein and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s adviser on East African affairs, Getachew Reda, said the reported developments could destabilize the region and reverse progress made since the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.
The two officials claimed that intelligence assessments point to increasing coordination between elements of the TPLF and Eritrean actors, warning that such an alliance could trigger “a dangerous escalation” in northern Ethiopia in the coming days or weeks.
They urged the international community, including the African Union, United Nations, and major global partners, to intervene urgently through diplomatic pressure and mediation efforts to prevent a return to full-scale war.
According to the article, Ethiopian authorities argue that failure to act swiftly could lead to a wider regional security crisis affecting Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and neighboring states, with severe humanitarian consequences including displacement and disruption of aid operations.
The statement comes amid renewed political tension in Tigray, where divisions within the TPLF have persisted despite the 2022 peace deal that ended a two-year conflict that killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Eritrean authorities have not responded publicly to the allegations, while TPLF representatives have also yet to issue an official statement regarding the claims made in the article.
Regional analysts warn that any renewed fighting could further destabilize the Horn of Africa, a strategically important but fragile region already facing multiple security and economic challenges.
