Headline: "Power Struggle Sparks Conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray Region"
Type of Security: Political/security conflict
Every area of human existence is impacted by the complex idea of security, which includes both physical protection and defence against many threats that have the potential to disrupt communities and jeopardize well-being. To have a thorough understanding of security, one must study its foundational ideas and comprehend the real-world applications they imply. Security encompasses more than just protecting against outside threats; it also involves the environment, politics, economy, and society. It entails risk assessment, crisis prevention, emergency preparedness, incident response, and adversity resilience building. Scholars in academia acknowledge that there has been a progression in the definition of security across many theoretical frameworks. All of these changes raise important questions about the basic elements of security. It raises questions about what unites these disparate interpretations into coherent academic research. We consider whose security is under consideration, how it can be obtained, and who bears the cost of ensuring it.
This blog post primarily focuses on the power struggle that has sparked the violence in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia, where the war is still ongoing. It explores the underlying issues, such as complaints about political representation and autonomy, fueling the conflict. In addition to affecting millions of lives and endangering regional stability, the blog delves into how these tensions have grown into a full-blown crisis. The humanitarian effects of the fighting, such as food insecurity, displacement, and violations of human rights, might also be covered. The blog's overall goals are to show readers how complicated the issue is and to draw attention to how urgently peacebuilding and resolution are needed.
ETHOPIA MAP
For many years before the war, the TPLF was in charge of Ethiopia's government. From 1991 until he passed away in 2012, Meles Zenawi, a Tigrayan leader, ruled Ethiopia with a strong grip, supported by a coalition led by the TPLF. His government focused on rapid development and boosting Ethiopia's image globally, but it also marginalized ethnic groups like the Oromo and Amhara to maintain power. During this time, Ethiopia was also in a war with Eritrea from 1998 to 2000, causing political and economic problems for both countries. After Meles Zenawi's death, the TPLF continued to hold power until 2018. But protests, particularly among the Oromo community, pushed for change. In response, Abiy Ahmed Ali, who comes from the Oromo region, became the new Prime Minister. Abiy was seen as a beacon of hope for peace and unity in Ethiopia. He promised to mend the relationships between different ethnic groups and started to relax some of the government's strict rules. In 2019, he even won the Nobel Peace Prize for helping to end the long-standing conflict with Eritrea.
However, by 2020, tensions between different ethnic groups in Ethiopia started to rise again. The delay of promised national elections and disputes over local elections in Tigray fueled anger among the TPLF. When Tigrayan troops allegedly attacked a federal military base in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, on November 4, 2020, Prime Minister Abiy responded by sending Ethiopian troops to Tigray, starting the Mekelle Offensive. The conflict escalated quickly, with reports of violence and mistreatment of civilians, especially ethnic Tigrayans. Additionally, Eritrea got involved in the fighting, supporting the Ethiopian government's side. Eritrean military were actively engaged in combat in Tigray, despite Prime Minister Abiy's earlier denials to the contrary.
The conflict between the Ethiopian government and Tigray forces led to widespread suffering for civilians, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and food insecurity. Ethnic tensions escalated, causing fear and mistrust within Ethiopian society. Human rights abuses, including violence against civilians, worsened the situation. Women faced heightened vulnerabilities, experiencing sexual violence and limited access to essential services. Displacement increased the risk of exploitation, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Addressing women's specific needs is crucial for their protection and empowerment in conflict-affected areas.
Overall, the conflict had devastating consequences for the people of Ethiopia, deepening humanitarian crises and undermining stability and peace in the region.
Providing nuanced perspectives on the security dynamics involved:
Whose Security: In the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, multiple groups' security is at risk. Tigrayan civilians face violence, displacement, and food insecurity due to the conflict. The Ethiopian government perceives the conflict as a threat to national unity and stability, prompting its military intervention. Regional stability is also jeopardized, as the conflict could exacerbate existing tensions and conflicts in the East African region.
From whom or what: Security threats in the Tigray conflict stem from various sources. Ethiopian federal government forces engage in military operations against Tigrayan opposition forces, including airstrikes and ground offensives. Tigrayan fighters, primarily associated with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), resist government forces. Allegations suggest Eritrean involvement, supporting Ethiopian government forces in their operations against the TPLF. Additionally, militia groups operating within Tigray contribute to the insecurity and violence.
By what means: Security is pursued through various means in the Tigray conflict. Both Ethiopian government forces and TPLF fighters utilize military force, engaging in armed conflict to assert control and pursue their respective objectives. International organizations and NGOs provide humanitarian assistance to address immediate security threats such as food insecurity and displacement. Diplomatic efforts by regional and international actors aim to mediate the conflict and promote peace negotiations.
For what purpose: The pursuit of security in the Tigray conflict serves different purposes for different actors. The Ethiopian government seeks to restore order and eliminate what it perceives as a threat to national unity and stability by asserting control over the Tigray region. The TPLF aims to defend Tigrayan autonomy and rights, resisting what it views as oppressive government policies. The international community seeks to mitigate the humanitarian impact of the conflict, prevent further escalation, and facilitate a peaceful resolution to restore stability in the region.
By which security actors: Addressing the security issues raised by the violence in Tigray involves several security actors. The Ethiopian national government uses the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and other armed forces to fend against TPLF forces and impose control over Tigray. Eritrea is one example of a regional actor that may be directly or indirectly helping Ethiopian government forces or advancing their interests in the conflict. The international community participates in resolving security and humanitarian issues through diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives, represented by institutions like the United Nations and regional groupings like the African Union.
A post-colonial analysis of the Ethiopian Tigray conflict shows how historical colonialism continues to influence modern power structures and identity formation. The socio-political landscape of Ethiopia has been influenced by colonial legacies, even though the country successfully resisted Italian colonization. Due in part to Tigrayan marginalization, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) came to power, reflecting past injustices and unresolved conflicts. Ethnic conflicts caused by colonial legacies were exacerbated by their supposedly dictatorial rule.
From a feminist perspective, the Tigray conflict also reveals gendered dimensions of violence, displacement, and resistance. Women and gender minorities often bear the brunt of conflict, facing heightened risks of sexual violence, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Patriarchal norms and structures within Ethiopian society intersect with the dynamics of conflict, perpetuating inequalities and limiting women's agency and participation in peacebuilding efforts. Despite these challenges, women in Tigray have demonstrated resilience and agency in the face of conflict. They have mobilized for peace, advocated for their rights, and played vital roles in providing humanitarian assistance and support to their communities. Recognizing and amplifying the voices of women and gender minorities is essential for addressing the root causes of the conflict and building sustainable peace in Tigray and beyond.
Overall, combining post-colonial and feminist perspectives provides a holistic understanding of the Tigray conflict, shedding light on its historical roots, structural inequalities, and gendered dimensions, and offering insights for addressing its complexities and promoting peace and justice.
References
International Crisis Group. Finding a Path to Peace in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region. International Crisis Group, 2021. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep31549. Accessed 17 Feb. 2024.
Neumann, I. B., & Sending, O. J. (2018). Expertise and practice. The Oxford Handbook of International Security, 28-40. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/97801987 77854.013.3
Krause, K., & Williams, M. (2018). Security and "security studies." The Oxford Handbook of International Security, 13-28. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/97801987 77854.013.2
Gheciu, A., & Wohlforth, W. C. (2018). The Future of Security Studies. The Oxford Handbook of International Security, 2-13. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/97801987 77854.013.1
Barkawi, Tarak. “On the Pedagogy of ‘Small Wars.’” International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-), vol. 80, no. 1, 2004, pp. 19–37. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3569291 . Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
Feminism and Postcolonialism: The Twain Shall Meet
This analysis admirably dissects the intricate dynamics of the Tigray conflict, shedding light on its historical underpinnings and gendered dimensions. Its comprehensive approach serves as a commendable resource for understanding the complexities of the situation.