Bombing of Tigray
- Thibeaux Hirsh
- Nov 11, 2020
- 2 min read
This past Friday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that fighter jets had successfully bombed a Province of the Tigray region. The motivations for his bombing of Tigray stem from the potential ransacking of a government defense post for "steal artillery and military equipment." The results of this attack could be civil war.
Political unrest in Ethiopia has been existent but at bay between the early 1990s until 2012, when the Tigrayan leader Meles Zenawi passed away. Because the Tigray ethnic and geographical group had long since played an important role in the government, the country saw little conflict and was able to grow economically. Following Zenawi's death, Mr. Abiy Ahmed eventually reached power, and has since attempted to establish a very centralized and federalist government. In doing so, he has attempted to limit the influence the power of singularly influential parties/ethnic groups, in particular the Tigrays. The conflict was only aggravated by the Tigrays holding of a parliamentary election months before the date authorized by the government. This act of defiance resulted in funds being reallocated from the Tigray region during the pandemic, further fueling the tension between the region's leaders and the government.
As of right now, there is no proof that Mr. Abiy Ahmed's claims about the ransacking of the federal military base is true as the government has shut down internet and cellular communication in the Tigray region. What is clear, is that tension has risen as "sporatic" attacks have ensued leaving soldiers on both sides injured. The prospect of civil war also presents international ramifications. Because neighboring country Eritrea and the current federal government have good relations, the Tigrays are at major risk. This is only furthered by the already contentious relationship between the Tigray party and Eritrea due to the party's role in the Ethiopian-Eritrean in the late 1990s.
It is painful to see more violent conflict occurring in the world, especially during a time as vulnerable and chaotic as now. I cannot help but feel that the government must seek out a way to balance their goal of unification and equality with peace, for without it, only war will follow.
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Thibeaux, thank you for writing about this recent development. Ethiopia may slide into civil war. Ethiopia is such a diverse nation and thus has had many challenges i terms of voice and power. Ironically, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize Award last year. Many believe this return attack by the Ethiopian forces was Ahmed's last resort. Your inclusion of the map was particularly helpful! Be sure to proofread your blog.