Ethiopia, a nation with a rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has been marred by a series of conflicts and political unrest in recent years. The turmoil that has engulfed this East African country is deeply rooted in historical tensions and has its origins in the Tigray War. In this article, we will explore the complex web of events and factors that have led to the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia, emphasising the need for a diplomatic resolution.
The Tigray War, which erupted in November 2020, serves as the epicenter of Ethiopia’s current turmoil. The conflict began when the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a radical party dominant in the Tigray region, clashed with the federal government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Abiy Ahmed had assumed office in April 2018 and had embarked on a mission to root out TPLF influence from key government positions. This move, while promising a “safe” government for Tigray, created a deep-seated animosity between the federal government and the TPLF.
Tensions escalated further when elections in Tigray, scheduled for September 2020, were held despite the federal government’s COVID-19-related postponement. The TPLF emerged victorious in these elections, a move deemed illegal by the federal government. In response, the federal government froze funds to Tigray, demanding a redo of the elections. This standoff culminated in November 2020 when the TPLF attacked the federal military’s command in Tigray, capturing its military assets. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed retaliated with airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties and deepening resentment among the local population.
The Amhara region, Ethiopia’s second-largest ethnic group, played a pivotal role in the Tigray War by supporting the federal government’s forces. The region is also home to the Fano militia, which actively backed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. However, clashes with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), linked to the TPLF, in early 2021 led to further violence and instability in Ethiopia, particularly against the Amhara population.
Efforts were made to quell the conflict, including a peace pact between the federal government and Tigray, but this triggered an insurgency by the OLA. Ethnic violence against Amharas in Oromia ensued, eroding faith in the Ethiopian leadership’s ability to support the Amhara cause. Clashes between federal forces and Fano escalated in May 2022 when the government attempted to disarm and arrest Fano members, resulting in numerous detentions in the Amhara region.
The Arrest of Zemene Kase, a senior leader of Fano, in September 2022, further exacerbated tensions. In April 2023, federal forces entered the Amhara region to disarm regional troops, leading to the silencing of opposition media and the suspension of aid operations by NGOs due to the killings of aid workers.
As of May 2023, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported militarised situations in various regions, with violence spreading to North Gondar, North Woll, and North Shewa zones. Meanwhile, the Amhara regional government cited the Fano militia’s eastern faction for the assassination of the Amhara Prosperity Party’s head, Girma Yeshitila. In August 2023, Fano clashed with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and seized Lalibela airport, prompting the Ethiopian government to declare a state of emergency.
Conclusion
Ethiopia’s turmoil is a multifaceted crisis with deep historical roots, involving ethnic tensions, political rivalries, and regional dynamics. A peaceful and diplomatic resolution is essential to bring stability to the nation and ensure the well-being of its diverse population. The international community must continue to support efforts to find a lasting solution to this complex and devastating conflict.
