Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Preparing for War Tensions Rise in East Africa

Ethiopia has recently escalated tensions in East Africa by accusing Eritrea of preparing for a military conflict. This accusation comes as Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos raised concerns in a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Ethiopia’s Concerns About Eritrea

In the letter, Timothewos claimed that Eritrea is collaborating with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a well-known opposition group. This coalition, according to Ethiopia, is targeting the federal government in Addis Ababa.

The TPLF was once the ruling party in Ethiopia and fought a two-year civil war against the government that concluded in late 2022. Timothewos noted a recent surge in evidence of collusion between the Eritrean government and the TPLF.

Accusations of Armed Mobilization

• Ethiopia accuses Eritrea and the TPLF of funding armed groups.
• The conflict is particularly focused on the northern Amhara region.
• Ethiopian federal forces have been battling these rebels for years.

Historical Context of Ethiopia and Eritrea

The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has a complex history, marked by periods of conflict and cooperation. Following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, the two nations engaged in a border war from 1998 to 2000, resulting in significant casualties. Relations improved in 2018 under Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who was supported by Eritrean forces during the Tigray War.

Current Diplomatic Efforts

Despite rising tensions, Timothewos emphasized the Ethiopian government’s desire for diplomatic dialogue. He expressed a commitment to “good faith negotiations” with Eritrea, aiming for a vision of shared prosperity while respecting national sovereignty.

However, he criticized Eritrea for portraying Ethiopia’s ambitions for access to the sea as a threat. Eritrea remains one of Africa’s most isolated nations, with a population of approximately 3.5 million.

Regional Implications

In recent months, Eritrea has sought to strengthen its ties with Egypt, which also has tense relations with Ethiopia, particularly concerning water resource management. This alignment of interests adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea.