The article discusses the potential for conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which could jeopardize a historic peace achieved by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Analysts warn that clashes would undermine regional stability and exacerbate humanitarian crises exacerbated by aid cuts in neighboring conflict-affected countries. General Tsadkan Gebretensae highlights the imminent threat of war, referencing the previous civil war in Tigray.
Analysts suggest that direct confrontations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, two of Africa’s largest military forces, would undermine the historic rapprochement initiated by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for these efforts. Such an escalation could also involve other regional powers, significantly impacting the stability of the area.
This potential conflict poses a threat to an already troubled region where aid cuts have made it increasingly difficult to support millions suffering from internal strife in neighboring countries, including Sudan and Somalia.
General Tsadkan Gebretensae, serving as a vice president in the interim administration of Tigray, expressed deep concerns about the situation, stating, “At any moment war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out,” in the Africa-focused publication, The Africa Report.
The backdrop of this situation includes a devastating civil war in Tigray from 2020 to 2022, which saw the Tigray People’s Liberation Front clash with the Ethiopian central government, resulting in a staggering loss of life, with hundreds of thousands perishing during the conflict.
In summary, the potential for renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea poses significant threats not only to their bilateral relations, which had previously improved, but also to regional stability in East Africa. With millions already vulnerable due to ongoing crises in the region, the international community must closely monitor developments to prevent further humanitarian disasters.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
