The Tigray region in northern Ethiopia has descended into full-scale war, displacing civilians and disrupting essential services. Berihu, a 32-year-old driver, expressed his desire for peace, stating, "We just want peace." His sentiment echoes the plight of thousands of civilians affected by the conflict. The war has reignited despite the Pretoria agreement, signed in November 2022, which aimed to end two years of fighting that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
The African Union-facilitated Pretoria agreement left several critical issues unaddressed, including the status of disputed territories, the return of displaced persons, and the disarmament of Tigrayan forces. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) declared the agreement effectively collapsed in July, while the federal government maintained its commitment to peace. The TPLF claims it responded to a federal offensive, including drone strikes, while the government alleges Tigrayan forces initiated the attacks.
The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, with hospital sources reporting at least 52 civilian fatalities in three days of heavy fighting around Alamata. The United Nations has documented a federal airstrike on a truck carrying 41 tonnes of food aid bound for displaced people in Sheraro. The strike has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands without access to basic necessities.
The war has also disrupted communication and financial services in Tigray. State-owned Ethio Telecom services have been completely cut off, and the federal government has suspended banking services in the region. These disruptions have severely impacted the daily lives of civilians, making it difficult for them to access essential services and communicate with loved ones.
The conflict has taken a toll on civilians, with many forced to flee their homes or avoid conscription. Analyst Martin Plaut reports that ordinary Tigrayans are caught between the Tigray Peace Forces and the TPLF. The situation in Mekelle, the regional capital, reflects the devastating impact of the war, with residents describing a security vacuum, theft, and a lack of cash.
The conflict has also raised concerns in the capital city, Addis Ababa. Diplomatic sources reported blasts near the military headquarters, and an opposition alliance claimed to have carried out drone strikes on the capital. While these claims remain unverified, they highlight the potential for the conflict to escalate further.
The international community, including South Africa, which facilitated the Pretoria agreement, is now invested in finding a resolution to the conflict. The continent's diplomats will likely advocate for de-escalation and dialogue. However, the critical question remains: what constitutes peace in this context? For civilians like Berihu, peace means an end to violence and the restoration of basic services.
Key points
- The conflict in Tigray has resulted in significant human suffering, with at least 52 civilians killed in three days of fighting around Alamata.
- The war has disrupted communication and financial services in Tigray, severely impacting the daily lives of civilians.
- The international community, including South Africa, is invested in finding a resolution to the conflict and advocating for de-escalation and dialogue.
