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Rising Tensions in Ethiopia's Tigray Region Risk Wider Conflict

There are fears that a regional conflict could break out in the area two years after the signing of a ceasefire agreement that ended the war between the Ethiopian government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which killed more than 500,000 people. The agreement established the Tigray Interim Administration, representing the warring sides.

Renewed tension has, however, emerged over internal political differences, including attempts to control the Tigray Defense Force. The 75-year-old longtime leader of the TPLF, Debretsion Gebramichael, has claimed that authority for the force does not fall under the interim administration. The interim leadership, headed by Debretsion's former deputy, Getachew Reda, has disputed this, noting that the force is a "neutral body".

Analysts have said that given Tigray's proximity to neighboring Eritrea and reports that some Eritrean troops that were involved in the two-year conflict remained in parts of Tigray in violation of the peace agreement, fears are rising that Eritrea may intervene in the factional battle between Tigrayan leaders. 

InFocus

Million Hailesilassie / Deutsche Welle

The regional capital Mekele in Tigray.

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