March 1, 2025 – Rising tensions between rival factions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have sparked concerns over a possible resurgence of conflict, threatening the fragile peace established after the devastating Tigray War.
The dispute is reportedly between Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and Getachew Reda, head of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA). The two leaders have differing views on the region’s political future, governance, and relations with the Ethiopian federal government, leading to an escalating power struggle.
Background of the Conflict
The Tigray War, which lasted from 2020 to 2022, resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and widespread devastation. A peace deal signed in November 2022 helped bring an end to active fighting, with the establishment of an interim administration to oversee reconstruction efforts. However, divisions within the region’s leadership have persisted, and the latest tensions indicate a growing split within Tigray’s ruling elite.
Concerns Over Renewed Violence
Reports suggest that TPLF loyalists and supporters of the interim administration have clashed in recent weeks, raising fears of internal conflict. Local observers warn that the situation could deteriorate further if mediation efforts are not initiated promptly.
International actors, including the United Nations and the African Union, have urged both factions to resolve their differences through dialogue and to uphold the peace agreement. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are concerned that renewed instability could disrupt aid delivery to millions of people still recovering from the war’s impact.
Looking Ahead
With tensions mounting, political analysts suggest that Ethiopia’s federal government may need to intervene diplomatically to prevent further escalation. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Tigray can maintain peace or slide back into conflict.
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