Tigray Party's Move to Regain Control Sparks Fear of Conflict in Ethiopia
The TPLF seeks to restore its control over the region, which could reignite conflict with the federal government.
ADDIS ABABA: The recent actions by the dominant party in Ethiopia's Tigray to regain control of the region have raised concerns about potential new conflict.
Experts are warning that moves by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to reassert its influence could lead to disastrous renewed fighting with the federal government.The TPLF, which fought a civil war against the federal authorities between 2020 and 2022, has seen significant loss of power following a peace agreement.
The interim administration put in place by the federal government replaced the TPLF's wartime leaders.
However, with little progress made on other aspects of the deal, the TPLF is working to reinstate its control.
Last month, they restored the regional parliament that had been dissolved under the peace agreement.TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael was elected to head the reestablished parliament, as reported by the party's deputy Amanuel Assefa to AFP. This move marks the end of the interim administration in Tigray, according to Amanuel.Experts have expressed concern that this could lead to renewed hostilities with the federal government in Addis Ababa.
Kjetil Tronvoll, a regional specialist at Oslo New University College, stated it is extremely worrying and unclear whether these actions will result in negotiations or confrontations.
He further explained that the TPLF aims to challenge its political and financial status within the federation.Despite being regionally powerful for decades, the TPLF was banned as a political party last year.
The Ethiopian government has not yet responded to the consequences of the appointment made by the TPLF.Additionally, there are allegations from the Ethiopian government accusing Sudan of financing TPLF mercenaries, which Sudan denies.
Furthermore, several hundred thousand people remain displaced due to the previous conflict in Tigray, and financial struggles persist as federal subsidies have been cut off.
Experts are warning that moves by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to reassert its influence could lead to disastrous renewed fighting with the federal government.The TPLF, which fought a civil war against the federal authorities between 2020 and 2022, has seen significant loss of power following a peace agreement.
The interim administration put in place by the federal government replaced the TPLF's wartime leaders.
However, with little progress made on other aspects of the deal, the TPLF is working to reinstate its control.
Last month, they restored the regional parliament that had been dissolved under the peace agreement.TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael was elected to head the reestablished parliament, as reported by the party's deputy Amanuel Assefa to AFP. This move marks the end of the interim administration in Tigray, according to Amanuel.Experts have expressed concern that this could lead to renewed hostilities with the federal government in Addis Ababa.
Kjetil Tronvoll, a regional specialist at Oslo New University College, stated it is extremely worrying and unclear whether these actions will result in negotiations or confrontations.
He further explained that the TPLF aims to challenge its political and financial status within the federation.Despite being regionally powerful for decades, the TPLF was banned as a political party last year.
The Ethiopian government has not yet responded to the consequences of the appointment made by the TPLF.Additionally, there are allegations from the Ethiopian government accusing Sudan of financing TPLF mercenaries, which Sudan denies.
Furthermore, several hundred thousand people remain displaced due to the previous conflict in Tigray, and financial struggles persist as federal subsidies have been cut off.
