Tensions were rising among rival factions in Tigrey's Northern Ethiopia region on Thursday as France warned against travel there.
Tigray was one of the most devastating wars of the century from 2020 to 2022, and was estimated to have taken 600,000 lives.
The war pitted local troops against federal government and allied militias, as well as the adjacent Eritrea troops.
Despite the November 2022 peace agreement, the region has not found stability, and conflicts between rival factions have intensified in recent months.
Also Read: Ramadan: Culture Minister defends religious and ethnic tolerance for prosperity
The federal government has placed veteran Tigray politician Getachu Leda as head of the interim regional administration, but he is being challenged by former ally debretion gebremichael, head of the Tigray People's Liberation Front.
On Tuesday, troops loyal to Debrietson ruled Adigrat, Tigray's second largest city.
“The town is under new tensions and the population is afraid of a return to the bad old days of war,” a local told AFP on condition of anonymity.
In an interview with Tigray Mass Media Agency, Getachew denounced rival facts who “take over the entire Tigray” and ordered the suspension of three generals in the Tigray Defense Force.
“It's all officially disappointing the Tigray region, given the continued internal clashes in Tigray, especially Adigrat and the regional capital Mekele,” the French Foreign Ministry warned on Wednesday.
Also Read: Namibian envoy keyamo will hold a talk on Visa on Basa on Arrival
He also called on the French people of Tigray to stock emergency supplies (food, water, medicine and possibly fuel) and to take maximum care.
On Wednesday, Getachew's administration asked the Ethiopian government to “provide the necessary assistance” without identifying what they need.
Federal authorities in the capital Addis Ababa have not yet commented.
Also Read: Julius Berger strengthens local presence with Choiseul Africa Summit
In February, Prime Minister Abhiy Ahmed lamented that the Tigrayans “still live in fear and fear amid rumors of war.”
France also urged “avoiding all unnecessary trips” to Eritrea and the adjacent northern Afar region when tensions were high between the two horns of African neighbors.
