Ethiopian Tigray officials warn of a potential war with Eritrea, raising concerns over a humanitarian disaster in the Horn of Africa. The conflict stems from historical grievances and a recent split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Both countries are showing military readiness, and the involvement of regional powers may further complicate the situation.
Officials from the Tigray region of Ethiopia have warned that escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could lead to war, risking a humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa. Such a conflict would undermine the peace efforts celebrated by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, and could involve other regional powers. The situation arises amidst ongoing challenges in Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia, where millions are affected by internal conflicts.
General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a vice president in the Tigray interim administration, stated in the Africa Report that “At any moment war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out.” The potential for conflict follows a civil war in Tigray from 2020 to 2022, where hundreds of thousands lost their lives. The current discord is attributed to a split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has led to an opposing faction seeking an alliance with Eritrea.
Tigray’s interim leader, Getachew Reda, is urging the Ethiopian government for assistance against dissidents, who deny connections to Eritrea. He expressed concern that the Tigray people may suffer again from an involuntary war. Meanwhile, Eritrean officials condemned Tsadkan’s warnings as alarming rhetoric, as Eritrea has activated military mobilization this February. Ethiopia, too, has moved troops to the Eritrean border, heightening anxieties about conflict.
Payton Knopf and Alexander Rondos, former U.S. and EU envoys, noted that the current conditions in Tigray represent a significant risk for renewed conflict, declaring it “dry tinder waiting for a match.” Historical tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea date back to Eritrea’s independence in 1993, followed by a bloody border war from 1998 to 2000. Although relations improved in 2018, recent developments have again strained ties.
Eritrea’s frustrations have grown following Abiy’s assertions since 2023 about Ethiopia’s right to sea access, which some see as an implicit threat. The signing of a security pact between Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia last October appeared to counter Ethiopia’s ambitions, further complicating the geopolitics of the region.
The warnings from Ethiopian Tigray officials underscore a precarious situation that may escalate into armed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. With historical grudges and recent political maneuverings bringing them closer to war, the humanitarian implications are dire. A renewed conflict could destabilize an already troubled region and affect millions. The urgent need for dialogue and diplomatic engagement is apparent to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
