Asmara: Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has issued a stern warning to Ethiopia against initiating another conflict, amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.
According to Nam News Network, Eritrea and Ethiopia have had strained relations since Eritrea gained independence in 1993. The two countries engaged in a war from 1998 to 2000, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties. The current tensions are reportedly fueled by Ethiopia's aspiration for a seaport, a desire that Eritrea views with suspicion.
President Afwerki criticized Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, describing his actions as an attempt to deflect from domestic issues. Abiy had previously signed a peace agreement with Afwerki in 2018, marking a thaw in relations. However, the peace was disrupted by a violent conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray province from 2020 to 2022, which saw Eritrean forces supporting rebels against Ethiopian troops. The African Union estimates that the conflict claimed at least 600,000 lives.
Despite a peace deal that concluded the hostilities, Eritrea has maintained a military presence in Tigray, leading to further deterioration in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Abiy has insisted on Ethiopia’s need for sea access, but emphasized achieving it through peaceful means.
A recent report by a US monitoring group accused Eritrea of military rebuilding and regional destabilization. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel dismissed the report from NGO The Sentry and attributed the renewed tensions to Ethiopia. Eritrea had previously been under US arms sanctions, which were lifted following the 2018 peace agreement.