Gebru Asrat, a former TPLF leader, discussed the rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He emphasized the importance of seeking legal solutions regarding territorial issues, especially concerning Assab, before any military action. He believes foreign powers may intervene if conflict escalates and criticized the Ethiopian government for misreading Eritrean strategies. He urged for diplomatic discussions over military mobilization to prevent war.
In a recent interview, Gebru Asrat, a former TPLF executive and president of the Tigray Regional State, discussed the rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He addressed concerns regarding a potential conflict amid Ethiopia’s opening of an ammunition factory and Eritrea’s military mobilization. Despite these developments, Gebru believes there is no direct link between the factory inauguration and the possibility of war. He emphasizes the necessity for Ethiopia to produce ammunition domestically to mitigate reliance on potentially disrupted imports and conserve foreign currency.
Gebru perceives no immediate, fundamental reason for Ethiopia and Eritrea to engage in warfare, although he identifies the strategic port of Assab as a possible flashpoint. He cautions against prioritizing military strategies and insists that legal and diplomatic avenues should precede any military actions. He points to inadequacies within the Ethiopian government’s efforts to secure a legal case regarding Assab, which he believes should be presented to international bodies like the United Nations and the African Union.
Furthermore, Gebru critiques Ethiopian officials for misreading Eritrea’s longstanding strategy aimed at fostering a weakened neighbor to enhance Eritrea’s regional standing. He accuses Eritrea of militarily occupying Ethiopian territory and states that if Ethiopia were to reclaim Assab, it would be a response to Eritrean aggression.
The former TPLF leader also speculates about the involvement of foreign powers like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran should conflict occur between Eritrea and Ethiopia, indicating significant geopolitical interests in the region. Meanwhile, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebremeskel, has dismissed such war-related discussions as “warmongering” among certain political factions in Ethiopia, highlighting the growing hostility and blame exchanged on social media between supporters of both nations.
In conclusion, Gebru Asrat’s insights provide a critical examination of the tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He advocates for a diplomatic approach, emphasizing the importance of legal action regarding territorial disputes before resorting to military engagements. Furthermore, he highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of Eritrea’s objectives, cautioning Ethiopian leadership against underestimating the regional implications of a potential war. Ultimately, fostering dialogue and pursuing international legal avenues could serve as vital steps in averting conflict.
Original Source: borkena.com
