UK condemns Tigray attacks in Ethiopia - four years after civil war
The UK has condemned attacks by Tigray forces across Ethiopia's northern region this week, with fears that another civil war could break out.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has split amid renewed fighting in Ethiopia, with the conflict escalating once again. In its previous war with the Ethiopian federal government in 2020, the TPLF enjoyed internal cohesion, but now it lacks support from its former allies. The party has announced an alliance with six other armed groups, aiming to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, but it also faces internal challenges.
The TPLF's grip on Tigrayan society has weakened since the end of the last war in 2022, as it has faced economic hardships, increased competition from rival parties, and defections of key members. Recently, armed men detained four veteran military leaders who questioned the new war plans. The resurgence of fighting, attributed to Tigrayan forces seizing control of main airports and attacking federal forces in neighboring regions, has shattered the four-year-old peace deal.
The alliance's effectiveness is questioned, with some experts believing Eritrea, a neighboring country, might be providing support to the TPLF and other armed groups. However, Eritrea denies these allegations. The TPLF's weakened position is evident in the polarization of Tigray's society, where people are divided into 'patriots' and 'traitors'.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Tigray leaders split as Ethiopia war flares up again sabcnews.com
