KEYIR NEWS:- Two years after the signing of the
Pretoria Agreement, intended to end the devastating conflict between the
Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF),
the peace process faces significant challenges. While the agreement initially
brought hope for lasting peace, recent developments indicate a fragile and
uncertain future.
On November 2, 2022, the Ethiopian government and the TPLF
signed the Pretoria Agreement, officially known as the Cessation of Hostilities
Agreement (CoHA), under the auspices of the African Union. The accord aimed to
end a two-year civil war that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the
displacement of millions. Key provisions included the disarmament of Tigrayan
forces, restoration of federal authority in Tigray, and the withdrawal of
foreign and non-federal forces from the region.
In the initial months following the agreement, there were
notable advancements. The TPLF was removed from Ethiopia's list of terrorist
organizations, and an interim administration was established in Tigray, led by
Getachew Reda. Efforts were made to restore basic services, and some displaced
individuals began returning to their homes. The disarmament process commenced,
with Tigrayan forces surrendering heavy and medium weapons.
Despite early progress, the peace process has encountered
significant obstacles. A major concern is the internal division within the
TPLF. A faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael has accused the interim
administration of compromising Tigrayan interests. In March 2025, Debretsion's
faction seized control of key towns, including Adigrat and Adi-Gudem, leading
to renewed tensions and fears of a return to conflict.
The interim administration, under Getachew Reda, has called
for federal intervention to prevent further escalation. However, the federal
government's response has been cautious, aiming to avoid reigniting large-scale
hostilities.
The humanitarian situation in Tigray remains dire. Many internally displaced persons continue to live in precarious conditions, with limited access to essential services. The TPLF has reported that approximately 48% of Tigray's territory remains under occupation, particularly in areas like Southern Tigray and Tselemti, where residents face ongoing harassment and violence.
Territorial disputes, especially in regions claimed by both
the Tigray and Amhara administrations, have further complicated the peace
process. The Pretoria Agreement's ambiguity on these contested areas has led to
tensions and hindered the full implementation of the accord.
Recognizing the fragile state of the peace process,
international actors have increased their engagement. In February 2025, envoys
from the United States, European Union, and other nations visited Mekelle to
discuss the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement and assess the region's
stability. The Tigray Interim Administration has emphasized that future
discussions with the federal government will be conducted exclusively through
the African Union to ensure neutrality and build trust.
The exclusion of Eritrea from the Pretoria Agreement has strained relations between Ethiopia and its neighbor. Eritrea, which supported Ethiopian forces during the Tigray conflict, has expressed dissatisfaction with the peace process. In response to recent developments, Eritrea has mobilized its military, and Ethiopia has deployed troops along the shared border, raising concerns about potential renewed hostilities.
The Pretoria Agreement marked a significant step toward ending a devastating conflict in Ethiopia. However, two years later, the peace remains fragile, challenged by internal divisions, humanitarian crises, territorial disputes, and regional tensions. Sustained commitment from all parties, supported by international and regional actors, is essential to navigate these complexities and achieve lasting peace in Tigray and beyond.