Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-03-28 12:17:26
In the South Tigray Zone, currently under the control of Amhara forces, recent violent confrontations have sparked accusations between the Amhara regional administration and the Tigray interim administration. This has led to escalating tensions in the area, particularly in Raya Alamata.
The Amhara regional administration released a statement criticizing the Tigray interim administration’s response to the alleged incorporation of specific regions in Amhara’s educational curriculum and maps. The Amhara region characterized this response as aggressive and described it as a threat leading to violence.
The statement emphasized the region’s efforts to provide development opportunities, including education, to the people in western Tigray and parts of Southern Tigray. It also highlighted the historical issues surrounding identity and self-governance in areas like Wolkait and Raya.
On the other hand, the Tigray interim administration expressed concerns over the alleged attempts by the Amhara regional government to claim Tigray lands as its own. It labeled these actions as irresponsible and accused the Amhara region of systematically trying to dismantle Tigray.
The conflict between the two administrations has escalated with accusations of aggression and territorial disputes. The recent strife in South Tigray has attracted national and international attention, with reports of clashes between Amhara and Tigray forces beginning in mid-February 2024.
An Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) report highlighted clashes in various districts between the two forces, necessitating intervention by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). The report emphasized the potential threat to the peace established under the Pretoria agreement and called for federal government intervention to address the escalating tensions.
Despite warnings from the U.S. Intelligence Community’s Annual Threat Assessment and the Minister of Defense’s new plan to address the status of western Tigray, the federal government has not publicly commented on the rising tensions between the two regional states.
The ongoing conflict between the Amhara and Tigray forces underscores the complexities and challenges facing Ethiopia’s regional stability and security. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether diplomatic efforts will be successful in de-escalating the tensions and promoting peaceful resolutions to the territorial disputes.
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