Tigrayan authorities accuse the Ethiopian government of waging open war amid fears of renewed conflict.

Written by Mohamed Ragab:

Authorities in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia have accused the federal government in Addis Ababa of launching a new military attack on regional positions, considering what is happening to be an “open war” that threatens to undermine the peace agreement signed between the two sides, and raises fears of a return to the armed confrontations that the country witnessed in recent years.

Tigray speaks of a large-scale attack

Tigrayan authorities said federal forces used heavy weapons in areas west of the region, asserting that the military operations represent a dangerous escalation after months of political and security tensions.

The government was also accused of relying on allied forces to expand operations, with warnings that continued fighting could derail efforts to establish peace.

She added that the region has been subjected to increasing pressure in recent months, including a blockade and sporadic attacks, before the situation escalated into direct military confrontations, calling on the international community to intervene to prevent the conflict from spreading and to protect civilians.

Pretoria agreement faces a new test

Recent developments have renewed concerns about the future of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which ended the bloody war between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces in 2022 after a two-year conflict that resulted in widespread casualties and the displacement of millions of people.

According to reports, continued disagreements over disputed areas and security and administrative arrangements within the region increase the likelihood of the agreement collapsing, especially given the lack of tangible progress in implementing some of its key provisions.

Fears of a new humanitarian crisis

The prospect of renewed fighting raises widespread concerns about a deterioration of the humanitarian situation in northern Ethiopia, where many areas are still suffering the effects of the previous war, including damaged infrastructure, a lack of basic services, and difficulty in accessing humanitarian aid.

Observers also fear that the escalation could lead to a new wave of displacement, which could increase economic and humanitarian pressures within the country and affect the stability of the entire Horn of Africa region.

Calls for calm and dialogue

Amid the exchange of accusations between the two sides, regional and international calls continue for restraint and a return to the negotiating table, given that a political solution remains the only option to preserve the peace agreement and prevent the country from sliding into a new war.

Observers emphasize that maintaining stability in Ethiopia requires all parties to commit to implementing previous agreements and addressing outstanding issues through dialogue, thereby ensuring the protection of civilians and enhancing opportunities for peace and development in the country.