Two years after the Pretoria peace agreement aimed to end the Tigray conflict, tensions persist both on the ground and politically. The war, which raged from November 2020 to November 2022, resulted in nearly 600,000 deaths and severe destruction in the Tigray region. While the peace deal called for the withdrawal of foreign troops, Eritrean forces remain entrenched in key areas, and internal political disputes have further complicated the situation.
One of the most significant sources of instability is the ongoing conflict between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the leaders of the interim administration of Tigray, including President Getachew Reda. This political rivalry has fueled further tensions, leading to clashes between factions within Tigray itself. Civilians are caught in the crossfire, facing worsening conditions as fighting between local groups intensifies.
The peace agreement, signed on November 2, 2022, in Pretoria, aimed to end the two-year war by securing a ceasefire and facilitating the withdrawal of foreign forces, including Eritrean troops. However, Eritrean soldiers continue to occupy several key areas along the border, and many villagers live under their control. The situation has left local residents feeling abandoned, with promises of peace and stability unfulfilled.
As the Tigray region struggles to rebuild, the conflict between political factions and ongoing foreign occupation makes it difficult for the civilian population to recover. The international community continues to call for full implementation of the peace deal, but the path to lasting peace remains uncertain as internal and external challenges persist.
