Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome has accused Eritrean leader Isaias Afwerki of attempting to exploit internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement. He warned that such actions risk reigniting conflict in northern Ethiopia.
In a recent opinion piece, Mulatu alleged that Isaias is working with factions inside the TPLF that oppose the peace deal, which could destabilize the region. He further claimed that Eritrea has backed militias in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, potentially threatening the interim administration established under the agreement.
Mulatu, who served as Ethiopia’s president from 2013 to 2018 and has held key diplomatic roles, argued that Eritrea has historically fueled instability in the Horn of Africa. He suggested that the peace agreement posed a setback to Isaias’ ambitions, as Eritrea had actively participated in Ethiopia’s recent conflict.
Highlighting broader regional concerns, Mulatu warned that instability in Ethiopia could worsen crises across the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, strengthening armed groups such as Alshabab. He called for diplomatic efforts to counter any attempts to derail peace efforts, emphasizing that stability in Ethiopia is crucial for global security.