Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-04-17 09:48:06
The recent situation in Alamata town has brought to light a concerning conflict between the Amhara regional government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The Amhara regional government has issued a statement urging the TPLF to adhere to the Pretoria deal and vacate areas it has occupied. Failure to comply with this request could result in further violence and destruction, according to the statement.
The Amhara regional government alleges that the TPLF, in collaboration with external and internal hostile forces, declared war on March 25, 2024. This declaration of war was seen as unjustified, using Amhara student textbooks as a pretext through the interim administration of Tigray. Despite efforts by federal authorities to negotiate with the TPLF, the group has continued to engage in conflict and invade areas in southern Tigray zone, causing displacement and unrest.
Reports from Raya Alamata district indicate that thousands of civilians have been displaced due to recent violent clashes. Displaced individuals have sought refuge in the town of Kobo in the Amhara region, while some have returned home. The cause of the clashes remains disputed, with conflicting reports from local officials and residents regarding who initiated the conflict.
The Amhara government has condemned the TPLF for perpetuating violence and called on the international community to denounce the invasion. Security forces have been urged to protect the population and counter false propaganda. While efforts have been made to peacefully resolve the conflict, the TPLF’s actions have been seen as a breach of the Pretoria Peace Agreement.
In a press briefing, General Tadesse Werede of the Tigray interim administration stated that an agreement had been reached with the federal government regarding the dismantling of Amhara forces’ administrations in certain areas of Tigray. However, disputes remain over the control and governance of these territories, leading to ongoing tensions between the federal and Tigray governments.
The Amhara regional government maintains that the areas in question were seized by force by the TPLF and that residents’ rights must be respected. The National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) has also expressed concerns over the TPLF’s actions and called for an immediate halt to the assault on the region.
The conflict in Alamata town is just one example of the ongoing tensions between the Amhara regional government and the TPLF. As accusations and counter-accusations escalate, the potential for further violence remains a significant concern. The international community’s intervention may be crucial in preventing a resumption of conflict and addressing the unresolved territorial issues that continue to fuel the tensions in the region.
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