ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian officials have warned of a possible return to conflict in the northern Tigray region, raising concerns that a fragile peace agreement that ended a devastating civil war could be at risk.
Getachew Reda, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and former president of Tigray’s interim administration, accused leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of taking steps that could lead to renewed military confrontation.
He called on the international community to increase diplomatic pressure on the TPLF and support efforts to preserve the Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed in November 2022 to end two years of fighting between federal forces and Tigrayan rebels.
The warning comes amid growing political tensions between Ethiopia’s federal government and the TPLF, which remains a dominant force in the region. Ethiopian officials say recent developments have heightened fears of instability, while regional analysts have expressed concern over reports of military mobilization and deepening political divisions.
The conflict in Tigray, which erupted in November 2020, killed hundreds of thousands of people and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Although the Pretoria agreement largely halted major hostilities, implementation of key provisions has faced repeated challenges.
Getachew warned that actions by TPLF leaders could undermine the post-war political settlement and destabilize not only northern Ethiopia but the wider Horn of Africa region. He urged international partners, including the African Union and major foreign governments, to intensify diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
The TPLF has denied accusations that it is preparing for war, accusing the federal government of failing to fully implement the peace agreement and respect Tigray’s autonomy.
Analysts say any renewed fighting would threaten regional stability and risk worsening humanitarian conditions in an area still recovering from the effects of war.
— HORN Africa News (HAN)
