Two years after the Pretoria peace agreement aimed at concluding the Tigray war, Eritrean forces continue to occupy several border areas in Ethiopia, despite mandates for their withdrawal. The war, which began in 2020, resulted in 600,000 deaths and widespread humanitarian crises, leaving local populations under continued military occupation and feeling abandoned. The absence of key militias in peace negotiations raises significant concerns about the future stability of the region.
Two years following the signing of the Pretoria agreements aimed at ending the Tigray war, Eritrean forces continue to occupy various border regions in Ethiopia. The conflict, which erupted in November 2020, resulted in an estimated 600,000 casualties, and Eritrean troops aligned with the Ethiopian federal government against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Despite the peace deal mandating their withdrawal, Eritrean soldiers have remained entrenched in these areas, leaving residents feeling neglected and vulnerable under their rule. The peace agreement was signed on November 2, 2022, between Ethiopian federal authorities and the Tigrayan rebels, marking a significant attempt to halt two years of violence in the northern Tigray region. The war’s toll was devastating, characterized by the blockade of humanitarian aid and essential services in Tigray, compounding the suffering of its inhabitants. Despite these dire conditions, key participants in the conflict, including the Eritrean army and Amhara militias, were excluded from the negotiations in Pretoria, raising questions about the sustainability of peace. While the Pretoria deal included provisions for the withdrawal of foreign forces, primarily referring to Eritrea, these troops have yet to vacate the territories where they continue to impose their authority. Villagers recount a sense of abandonment as they navigate life under constant military presence, making the region’s reconstruction and stability increasingly uncertain. The ongoing occupation highlights the complex dynamics of peace and conflict in the Horn of Africa, requiring attentive international scrutiny and action.
The Tigray war in northern Ethiopia began in November 2020 and escalated into a multi-faceted conflict, involving various local and regional powers. The humanitarian situation quickly deteriorated as federal forces engaged in military operations, leading to reports of atrocities and widespread civilian displacement. A peace agreement was brokered in Pretoria in 2022, aiming to establish a ceasefire and restore order, yet crucial elements, such as the withdrawal of Eritrean forces, remain unmet. The exclusion of certain militias from the negotiations has further complicated the path towards reconciliation, highlighting the fragility of the peace process in the region.
In conclusion, the enduring presence of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia’s border regions two years after the Tigray war underlines the ongoing challenges in achieving durable peace. The situation underscores the complexities inherent in post-conflict recovery, especially when key stakeholders remain excluded from negotiations. Evolving dynamics on the ground call for sustained international attention and a reevaluation of commitments to uphold human rights and security for all affected populations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
