Despite the conclusion of war in Tigray, the region faces ongoing humanitarian and political challenges. The Pretoria agreement has not fully been implemented, leading to scarce resources and internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by significant youth unemployment and the ongoing occupation by armed groups, presenting risks for further conflict.
Ethiopia’s war may have concluded, but the repercussions of the Tigray crisis persist. For over two decades, Ethiopia was governed by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, a coalition primarily dominated by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front until the Prosperity Party’s rise in 2018. Subsequently, on 4 November 2020, the federal government initiated a military offensive against Tigray, resulting in a devastating two-year conflict that led to an estimated 600,000 civilian deaths, marking it as one of the most destructive conflicts of the 21st century.
The Pretoria agreement—signed on 2 November 2022—aimed to end hostilities and establish an interim government. Although some progress followed, the region continues to face significant political and humanitarian challenges. As a result of extensive wartime devastation, basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies remain scarce, leading to widespread suffering amongst residents. The local economy has similarly suffered, with rehabilitation efforts still pending and 81% youth unemployment reported.
Conflict persists within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, creating divisions between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda, which have further destabilized the interim government formed under the Pretoria agreement. This internal strife diminishes effective governance, complicating the restoration of order and worsening the humanitarian crisis. In January 2025, military leaders aligned with Debretsion’s faction called for new leadership, which the interim administration resisted, raising concerns regarding legitimacy and governance.
The Pretoria agreement aimed to cease hostilities, ensure safety, and restore order. While the interim government was established, soldiers from Eritrea and armed militias continue to destabilize Tigray, creating obstacles for displaced persons and impeding full disarmament of Tigrayan fighters. The lingering occupation and absence of jobs have led to heightened tensions, increased food insecurity for approximately one million displaced individuals, and a decline in educational services.
In light of these challenges, the current political fragmentation complicates the region’s governance, and the risk of renewed conflict looms large, with the potential for external involvement from Eritrean forces. It is crucial for the African Union and the international community to seek solutions that prevent further destabilization of Tigray and mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The ramifications of failing to implement the Pretoria agreement could perpetuate violence and human suffering.
The ongoing turmoil in Tigray, stemming from the recent conflict and subsequent political instability, highlights a dire humanitarian crisis. Despite the signing of the Pretoria agreement aimed at restoring order, the region struggles with internal divisions, limited resources, and external security threats. Inaction could exacerbate conflict and suffering, stressing the need for immediate global intervention to stabilize the area and support recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
