Ethiopian Experts Warn Tigray Conflict Risks Renewed War
Clashes near Tigray's border have raised fears that the fragile 2022 peace deal is collapsing into a new phase of conflict.
Key points
- New clashes between Tigray forces and federal troops have been reported near the border towns of Abala and Erebti.
- Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire, and Axum due to the current security situation in the region.
- Experts state that the 2022 peace deal failed to resolve underlying political disputes over federalism and territory.
New fighting has erupted in and around Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. This marks a significant escalation since the 2022 peace deal. Experts warn the conflict may be entering a dangerous new phase.
Fighting resumes along the border
Witnesses in Abala and Erebti confirmed new clashes between Tigray forces and federal troops. According to Deutsche Welle, humanitarian sources also reported fighting in the area. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire, and Axum.
Reports that Tigray forces controlled local airports could not be independently verified. The situation highlights the strain on the 2022 Pretoria agreement. This deal ended a two-year civil war but left key disputes unresolved.
Conflicting accounts of the escalation
The two sides offer very different explanations for the violence. The Tigray government accused Addis Ababa of launching a new invasion. It claimed federal forces carried out recent air and drone strikes.
The federal government denies these specific allegations. It describes the situation as a coordinated threat from armed groups. These opposing narratives make it difficult to find common ground for peace.
Deep political roots of the crisis
Researchers note that the 2022 deal stopped fighting but not the conflict. Western Tigray remains a contentious territory. The return of hundreds of thousands of displaced people is still unresolved.
The core issue is a disagreement over Ethiopia's political structure. The Tigray leadership favors strong regional autonomy. The federal government has pushed for a more centralized model. This fundamental clash threatens the long-term stability of the region.
