Lt. Gen. Tsadkan warns that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea “seems inevitable” as military preparations escalate. He expresses concerns over regional stability and the diminishing options for peace. Tsadkan calls for intervention to avert conflict and highlights internal divisions in Tigray. Both Eritrea and a former Ethiopian leader have responded, complicating the narrative. The potential consequences of war could fundamentally alter geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, has expressed grave concerns regarding the looming conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, asserting that war “seems inevitable.” He notes that military preparations are nearing completion, indicating Tigray could become a central battleground.
Tsadkan emphasizes the urgent need for peace, highlighting the potential for this conflict to expand beyond Ethiopia and Eritrea, potentially impacting Sudan and the Red Sea region. He asserts that Tigray seeks to avoid war but is facing diminishing options for peace, thus increasing the likelihood of hostilities.
He criticizes the deteriorating alliance between Addis Abeba and Asmara since the Pretoria peace agreement, stating that war preparations are in their final stages and once initiated, they will be challenging to halt. Additionally, he accuses Eritrea of engaging in predatory behavior towards neighboring nations, viewing Tigray as an obstacle to its ambitions.
Internal divisions within the Tigrayan leadership also pose a threat, as some factions may align with Eritrea for self-preservation. These factions are accused of prioritizing power over the well-being of the Tigrayan populace. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome echoes these concerns, highlighting Eritrea’s influence in fostering divisions within the TPLF and jeopardizing the peace agreement.
Eritrea has strongly rejected these accusations, describing them as audacious claims meant to justify a warmongering agenda. According to Eritrea, the internal crises in Ethiopia should not be projected onto other nations, asserting that the region’s issues stem primarily from Ethiopia itself.
Tsadkan warns of the catastrophic impact a renewed conflict would bring, predicting significant geopolitical shifts in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He contends that the focus of the international community on other global crises could exacerbate this situation.
Ultimately, Tsadkan advocates for preventing war through the full realization of the Pretoria agreement and urges the Ethiopian government and global partners to intervene. However, he cautions that should this diplomatic effort fail, a swift resolution to the conflict by military or diplomatic means is essential for the welfare of Tigray and the broader region.
In conclusion, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae’s warnings highlight the critical risk of escalating conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, urging immediate action to prevent war. His appeal for peace through the Pretoria agreement underscores the potential ramifications for not only Tigray but the entire Horn of Africa and surrounding regions. The statements from both sides reflect a complex political landscape that demands urgent attention and resolution to avert devastating consequences.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
