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| The map of Ethiopia and Eritrea/photo: Sovereign Limits |
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are escalating amid renewed disputes over Ethiopia’s push for Red Sea access and allegations of Eritrean military presence in northern Ethiopia. While Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has dismissed claims of an imminent invasion, Eritrea has categorically denied accusations of war preparations and troop deployments along the border.
Ethiopia Denies Plans to Invade Eritrea
Speaking before parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed refuted speculation that Ethiopia intends to invade Eritrea to secure access to the Red Sea. Instead, he emphasized his government’s commitment to resolving the issue diplomatically.
“Access to the Red Sea is a matter of survival for Ethiopia,” Abiy stated. “However, our approach is dialogue, not conflict.” He stressed that regional cooperation and development should take priority over hostilities.
His remarks come amid growing concerns following reports of Eritrea calling for a nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia moving troops closer to the border. Diplomatic observers fear the two nations could be on the brink of renewed conflict.
Eritrea Rejects Claims of Military Build-Up
On Tuesday, Eritrea’s Ministry of Information issued a strong rebuttal, dismissing claims of military escalation as baseless. Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh briefed resident ambassadors, the diplomatic corps, and UN agencies, denouncing what Eritrea described as “false accusations” about war preparations, Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, and the Pretoria Agreement.
“The Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) have been redeployed to Eritrea’s internationally recognized borders since the end of the conflict in November 2022,” Saleh stated, implying that no new troop movements have taken place. He further insisted that Eritrean troops are not present inside Ethiopian territory, countering accusations from Ethiopian officials and Tigray leaders.
“Anyone claiming or suggesting that the EDF remains in Ethiopian territory is attempting to scapegoat Eritrea for Ethiopia’s internal issues,” the statement read. However, Tigray officials, along with the U.S. State Department and the European Union, have called for the complete withdrawal of Eritrean forces, citing alleged human rights violations, including rape.
Strained Relations After the Pretoria Agreement
Eritrea and Ethiopia had once been close allies, particularly during the two-year Tigray War, in which Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopia’s federal government. However, after Ethiopia and Tigray forces signed the Pretoria Agreement in November 2022, relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara deteriorated significantly.
In a new twist, the Ethiopian government now accuses a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael, of collaborating with “external forces” – presumably Eritrea – to incite conflict in northern Ethiopia. Eritrea, in response, has denied any interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs.
Red Sea Dispute Deepens Rift
Eritrea also addressed Ethiopia’s growing push for Red Sea access. Foreign Minister Osman Saleh dismissed Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, calling them “misguided and outdated,” whether pursued diplomatically or militarily. He urged the international community to pressure Ethiopia to respect the sovereignty of its neighbours.
Abiy Ahmed’s call for access to the Red Sea has sparked widespread debate. While Ethiopia argues that it needs a direct maritime route for economic survival, Eritrea remains firm in rejecting any discussions on the matter.
What Lies Ahead?
With diplomatic ties fraying and border tensions escalating, the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains precarious. Will the two nations find a peaceful resolution, or are they heading toward another confrontation? The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of Ethiopia-Eritrea relations and regional stability in the Horn of Africa. @Sheger Hours
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