Eritrea has called on the international community to pressure Ethiopia to respect the sovereignty of neighboring nations amid rising tensions. Relations worsened after the Tigray war, and accusations regarding Ethiopia’s ambitions for maritime access have further strained interactions. Concerns over militarization and the potential for renewed conflict emphasize the importance of diplomatic efforts in the region.
Eritrea has urged the international community to exert pressure on Ethiopia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring states. This call comes amid rising tensions between the two nations, which had previously established a peace agreement in 2018, following a long period of hostilities since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. However, relations soured after the Tigray conflict between 2020 and 2022, during which Eritrea intervened against Ethiopian forces.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has sparked Eritrea’s ire with claims that it seeks access to the port of Assab, purportedly asserting Ethiopia’s need for maritime access. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel condemned these assertions, criticizing Ethiopia’s “misguided and outdated ambitions” to gain maritime access through potentially aggressive means. He emphasized that the international community should address these ongoing sovereignty violations in a recent post on the social platform X.
Moreover, assurances from Eritrea dismissing accusations of war preparations against Ethiopia were reiterated by Minister Gebremeskel, who labeled them as unfounded claims. Despite attempts by AFP to solicit responses from Ethiopian officials, no comments were received regarding these allegations.
Reports have surfaced from Human Rights Concern Eritrea, an NGO, suggesting that Asmara has initiated a nationwide military mobilization for individuals under 60, although this claim remains unverified. Additionally, security sources indicated that weapon convoys have been observed en route to the northern Afar region of Ethiopia, which borders Eritrea, raising concerns over a possible impending conflict.
General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a military strategist, warned that the likelihood of war breaking out between Ethiopia and Eritrea is imminent, given the historical context of previous conflicts. The region has witnessed devastating violence, with a reported death toll of at least 600,000 during past warfare, and ongoing skirmishes among competing factions in Tigray.
In summary, Eritrea’s recent advocacy for a heightened international response to Ethiopia’s actions highlights the fragile state of relations between the two nations. Persistent tensions, characterized by Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access and accusations of Eritrean military preparations, suggest a precarious geopolitical climate. The potential for renewed conflict remains a significant concern, underscoring the necessity for diplomatic intervention among regional stakeholders.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
