Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of using the border dispute as a pretext for conflict, while Ethiopia claims Eritrea exploits instability in Tigray. Both nations exhibit militaristic preparations for a looming war, raising fears of escalating regional instability. Key figures express contrasting views on their military presence and intentions, further complicating the situation.
Eritrea has leveled accusations against Ethiopia, alleging that the latter is using the ongoing border dispute as a justification for escalating conflicts. In a statement released via social media, Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, cautioned about the possibility of renewed hostilities in the Horn of Africa. This warning follows claims by Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration (TIA), who accused Eritrea of trying to exploit the instability in Tigray for its own gain.
During a media briefing in Addis Ababa, Getachew characterized the Eritrean regime as a “rogue element” that aims to capitalize on the unrest in Tigray. He noted that Eritrea views Tigray as a “buffer zone” against military actions from the Ethiopian government and alleged that it is utilizing the “illegal” TPLF faction to incite further conflict in the region.
Former Defense Minister Abraham Belay echoed concerns regarding Eritrean forces still occupying Tigrayan territories, calling for their immediate withdrawal. He stated, “Shabia is inside Tigrayan territory; that is a fact. They must withdraw one hundred percent from Tigrayan territory, from our national territory.”
Counteracting these allegations, Yemane dismissed them as “false,” insisting that Eritrean troops are only stationed within their sovereign territory. He called for a collective commitment to peace and emphasized that Eritrea has no intention of deepening divisions within the TPLF framework, remarking that the Pretoria Peace Agreement should remain an internal Ethiopian matter.
In an article published in The Africa Report, Tsadkan Gebretensae, TIA vice president, warned that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears imminent, with both nations preparing for potential conflict. He expressed concerns that Tigray could turn into the main battleground, stating, “At any moment, war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out. It will draw in the whole neighbouring region.”
While Tsadkan criticized Eritrea for allegedly taking advantage of regional instability, Yemane responded by asserting that Tigray should not serve as the battlefield for their disputes. He similarly described Tsadkan’s agenda as toxic, specifically criticizing remarks about a desire for Eritrea to cede control of its port of Assab back to Ethiopia. Reports indicate that Eritrea’s military presence in the Tigray region resulted from its involvement in the conflict between 2020 and 2022, allied with the Ethiopian federal government against the TPLF.
In summary, the allegations and counter-allegations between Eritrea and Ethiopia highlight the fragile security situation in the Horn of Africa. Both nations appear to be preparing for potential conflict, with tensions surrounding the border dispute intensifying. The discourse reflects deep-seated grievances and competing narratives, raising concerns over the implications for regional stability, particularly in the Tigray region.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
