Ethiopia Warns of New Conflict Erupting in Tigray Region

ADDIS ABABA – The Federal Government of Ethiopia has warned of the possibility of a new conflict erupting in the Tigray region, following reports that hardline members of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) are planning a military offensive against the central government in the coming days.

A joint statement issued by Ethiopia's Minister of East African Affairs, Getachew Reda, and the Head of National Intelligence, Redwan Hussein, indicated that the TPLF is preparing for military mobilization, warning that a resurgence of conflict could lead to widespread consequences affecting Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region.

This warning comes at a time when the Pretoria peace agreement that ended the two-year conflict in Tigray is facing new challenges. The conflict between Ethiopian federal forces and TPLF fighters has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, with the African Union estimating that nearly 600,000 people have died.

The Ethiopian government has also accused the TPLF of violating the peace agreement after it reinstated the Tigray regional parliament in April, an action Addis Ababa described as illegal. There are also allegations from the government claiming that the group has ties to Eritrea, although the TPLF has denied this.

The escalating tensions come as the Tigray region did not participate in the national elections held earlier this month in June due to security concerns and political disputes. Experts warn that if a political solution to the ongoing conflict is not found, the region could once again descend into war, leading to humanitarian disaster and further instability.