Tigray Herald፡November 19,2024 (Mekele)
Written By Kidu Hailesilssie
Contributor, Tigray Herald
Tigray at a Crossroads: Internal Saboteurs Push Region Toward Chaos
The Pretoria Agreement, signed in November 2022, brought an official end to the devastating conflict that ravaged Tigray for two years. While the agreement halted active combat and paved the way for reconstruction, the peace remains precarious. Foreign troops, particularly Eritrean forces, still occupy parts of Tigray, and challenges to territorial integrity, the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and political stability persist.
This article examines the achievements of the Pretoria Agreement, the obstacles to lasting peace, and the critical role of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) in leading Tigray toward recovery.
The Pretoria Agreement: Achievements and Unfinished BusinessBusiness፡
The Pretoria Agreement succeeded in ending active hostilities, enabling the resumption of federal services, and initiating efforts to rebuild war-torn infrastructure. However, the complete restoration of peace and stability in Tigray has been hindered by the continued presence of Eritrean troops and unresolved territorial disputes, particularly in Western Tigray. The presence of foreign forces (non-ENDF forces) remains a significant challenge, stoking fears of renewed conflict and undermining efforts to restore normalcy.
The agreement also laid a framework for the return of IDPs and rebuilding social cohesion. Yet, the implementation of these provisions has been slow, primarily due to resistance from destabilizing actors within and outside the region.
TIRA’s Leadership: Progress and Challenges፡
The Tigray Interim Regional Administration has demonstrated resilience and determination in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Tigray. TIRA has prioritized the safe return of IDPs, particularly to Western Tigray, with the final phase of reintegration now underway. Building on lessons from the successful reintegration efforts in Raya and Tselemti, TIRA has engaged with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and the federal government to ensure a coordinated and effective process.
However, TIRA’s efforts have been met with resistance from elements within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). A faction led byDR. Debretsion Gebremicael, Fetleworq “Monjerino” Gebre-Egziabher, along with other key figures such as Getachew Assefa, the former Ethiopian Chief of Intelligence Services, and Alem Gebrewahid, a hardline communist and enforcer of the party’s command structure, has actively worked to undermine peace and stability.
These individuals and their allies have orchestrated acts of administrative sabotage, attempted zonal-level coups, and propaganda campaigns aimed at destabilizing TIRA. Their actions are not merely local but carry significant regional and international implications, as they risk reigniting conflict and nullifying the Pretoria Agreement.
The Role of Spoilers and the Need for Accountability፡
The TPLF faction’s resistance appears rooted in self-preservation. A successful return of IDPs and the consolidation of TIRA’s legitimacy would further diminish the TPLF’s political relevance, effectively signaling the end of their dominance in Tigray. The faction’s reliance on figures such as General Fisseha Manjus, who has become an executor of their political objectives, underscores their desperation.
General Fisseha, along with key TPLF figures like Getachew Assefa and Alem Gebrewahid, has engaged in activities that threaten not only Tigray’s peace but the broader stability of the Horn of Africa. Their actions—ranging from attempting to seize control of TIRA to potential alliances with external forces like Eritrea and Fano militias—risk plunging Tigray into renewed chaos.
International Implications and Recommendations፡
The ramifications of renewed conflict in Tigray extend far beyond Ethiopia. A destabilized Tigray would likely become a battleground for regional and international powers, disrupting Red Sea trade routes, threatening the Nile Basin, and creating fertile ground for terrorism. The international community must act decisively to prevent this outcome.
Sanctions and Targeted Measures
- Sanctions on TPLF Leaders:
The U.S., EU, and other international actors should impose travel bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions on TPLF leaders, including Fetleworq “Monjerino,” Getachew Assefa, Alem Gebrewahid, and General Fisseha Manjus. These individuals have significant assets and familial connections in Western countries, making them susceptible to such measures. - Targeting TPLF-Affiliated Media:
Media outlets like Dedebit Media, Zara Media, Wurayna, Berakhe Show, Horizon Media, and Fentale Media, which disseminate propaganda and incite division, should be closely monitored and sanctioned as necessary. - Support for TIRA:
The Ethiopian government and international partners must provide robust support to TIRA. This includes financial aid for reintegration programs, technical assistance to improve governance, and security coordination to prevent destabilizing activities. - Pressure on Eritrean Troop Withdrawal:
Eritrea’s continued presence in Tigray undermines peace efforts. Diplomatic and economic pressure must be applied to ensure the complete withdrawal of Eritrean forces from Ethiopian territory.
Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Global Responsibility፡
The road to lasting peace in Tigray remains fraught with challenges, but progress is possible. The international community must recognize the urgency of the situation and take decisive action to hold spoilers accountable. Supporting TIRA in its efforts to restore territorial integrity, reintegrate IDPs, and rebuild governance structures is crucial to securing peace in Tigray and preventing broader regional instability.
Peace in Tigray is not just an Ethiopian issue—it is a global responsibility. The stakes are high, but with coordinated efforts, the vision of a stable and prosperous Tigray can become a reality.
About the Author
kidu Hailesilssie is a researcher, writer, and development practitioner with over a decade of experience in governance, conflict resolution, and regional politics. His work focuses on fostering sustainable solutions to complex challenges in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
