Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warns that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea seems unavoidable, with preparations for conflict nearing completion. He expresses concern over Tigray’s potential involvement and stresses the need for diplomatic efforts to avert war. The alliance between Ethiopia and Eritrea is deteriorating, with accusations of Eritrea exploiting internal divisions in Tigray. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome supports these claims, while Eritrea dismisses them as unfounded.
In a concerning commentary, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae of the Tigray Interim Administration has warned that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears “inevitable,” as military preparations near completion. He noted that Tigray risks becoming the primary battleground and cautioned that conflict may extend beyond these nations, affecting Sudan and the Red Sea region. Tsadkan emphasized that Tigray desires peace but fears that opportunities for tranquility are diminishing, potentially forcing war as the only recourse.
He also highlighted the deteriorating alliance between Ethiopia and Eritrea since the Pretoria peace agreement, suggesting that preparations for conflict are becoming increasingly difficult to restrain. Moreover, Tsadkan accused Eritrea of engaging in “predatory state behavior” aimed at exploiting its neighbors, particularly Ethiopia and Sudan. He expressed concern regarding Eritrea’s perception of Tigray as a significant obstacle to its ambitions and noted that Asmara seems poised to reignite hostilities following frustrations over the cessation of hostilities treaty.
Compounding these tensions, Tsadkan warned of potential divisions within Tigray, suggesting that factions within the fractured TPLF may seek alliances with Eritrea for self-preservation against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He likened these factions to those driven by a hunger for power at the expense of Tigray’s population.
Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome also echoed concerns, claiming President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea is seeking to exploit the divisions within the TPLF, which could destabilize the region and undermine the peace agreement established in Pretoria. Mulatu further alleged that Eritrea is engineering militia forces in Ethiopia’s Amhara region to create instability.
Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane G. Meskel, has rejected these accusations, labeling them as fabrications intended to justify hostile intentions. He contended that Ethiopia’s internal issues should not be redirected externally, affirming that the source of regional problems lies within Ethiopia. Eritrea dismissed allegations of military involvement, asserting that the Pretoria Agreement is solely an Ethiopian issue.
Looking ahead, Tsadkan warned that renewed warfare would have catastrophic outcomes, potentially reshaping political landscapes across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, particularly if global interests remain elsewhere. He indicated that Tigray’s most strategic course is to avert war and emphasize the enforcement of the Pretoria agreement. Tsadkan urged Ethiopian authorities and international stakeholders to intervene to prevent a further calamity, while cautioning that failing to deter conflict may lead to a swift resolution by military or diplomatic means, which he believes is imperative for Tigray and the surrounding region.
In conclusion, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae’s warnings regarding the potential outbreak of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea underscore an urgent call for diplomatic intervention. The peace efforts initiated by the Pretoria agreement face significant challenges, particularly due to regional tensions and internal divisions within Tigray. The possible repercussions of renewed conflict necessitate immediate action from both national leaders and international parties to foster stability and prevent humanitarian crises.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
