Mon Feb 17 12:32:57 UTC 2025: ## Eritrean President’s Actions Threaten Peace in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa

**ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA** – Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s continued destabilization efforts in northern Ethiopia threaten to unravel the fragile peace achieved after years of conflict, according to analysts and regional experts. Afwerki, who has ruled Eritrea with an iron fist since 1993, is accused of actively working to reignite conflict in the Tigray region, exploiting divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and undermining the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

Afwerki’s history of involvement in regional conflicts, including those in Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, paints a picture of a leader who thrives on instability. His regime, characterized by the absence of a constitution, parliament, and civil service, prioritizes military power and forced conscription, leading to mass exodus of Eritrean youth seeking refuge from the repressive conditions.

The 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement, which ended the brutal conflict between the TPLF and the Ethiopian government, represented a setback for Afwerki, who actively worked against its success. He is now accused of supporting anti-peace factions within the TPLF and fostering conflict through the creation of militias in the Amhara region.

This renewed threat to peace comes at a critical time for the already volatile Horn of Africa. Sudan is embroiled in civil war, Somalia faces ongoing challenges, and extremist groups continue to gain ground across the Sahel. A resurgence of conflict in Tigray risks creating a destabilizing chain reaction, emboldening terrorist organizations and triggering a mass refugee crisis that would impact the entire region and beyond.

International pressure is essential to prevent a return to widespread conflict. The international community must use diplomatic means to deter Afwerki and uphold the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Investing in regional cooperation, trade, infrastructure, and good governance is crucial for long-term stability. The consequences of inaction are severe, impacting not only the Horn of Africa but also global security and stability. The world must act decisively to protect the hard-won peace and prevent a catastrophic escalation.

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