Ethiopia’s Tigray War: Political Tensions and Humanitarian Crisis Persist

Ethiopia’s Tigray War has left a devastating impact on the country, rooted in deep political tensions between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the dominant political force in the Tigray region. The conflict escalated due to long-standing grievances, power struggles, and ethnic divisions.

The TPLF had been a central power in Ethiopia for decades, leading a coalition government until Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office. His efforts to centralize power and reform the country’s political system, which was previously based on ethnic federalism, were met with resistance from the TPLF. The situation worsened when the Ethiopian government delayed national elections, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. In defiance, the TPLF held its own regional elections, further straining relations with the central government.

Tensions boiled over when the Ethiopian government accused the TPLF of attacking a federal military base, leading to a full-scale military offensive. What was initially intended as a quick operation soon became a prolonged and devastating conflict. The war drew in Eritrean forces and various militia groups, resulting in widespread destruction and human suffering. Reports emerged of mass killings, sexual violence, and ethnic cleansing, fueling international concern over the scale of atrocities.

Despite a peace agreement that was later reached, the region remains fragile, with sporadic clashes and unrest continuing. The war has caused massive displacement, with millions of people forced to flee their homes, and much of Tigray’s infrastructure has been severely damaged. The humanitarian crisis in the region persists, with limited access to essential services like food, healthcare, and shelter.

International organizations and human rights groups have called for unfettered humanitarian access and accountability for war crimes committed during the conflict. The war in Tigray underscores the complex political and ethnic divisions within Ethiopia, presenting ongoing challenges to the country’s stability and recovery.