Eritrea has called for international pressure on Ethiopia amid rising tensions, denying military preparations. Diplomatic briefings reveal tensions regarding alleged Eritrean troop presence in Ethiopia and mutual accusations of destabilization. Recent military deployments near the border raise concerns of potential conflict, while Eritrea seeks international support for its sovereignty.
Eritrea has called for international pressure on Ethiopia as tensions rise between the two nations. During a briefing in Asmara, Eritrea’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Osman Saleh, denied accusations of military preparations and asserted that Eritrea’s forces were only deployed along internationally recognized borders since the end of conflict in November 2022. He pointed out that claims of Eritrean troops operating in Ethiopia are unfounded and an attempt to distract from Ethiopia’s internal challenges.
Authorities in Tigray, Ethiopia, have accused Eritrean troops of remaining in the region and committing human rights violations, while the U.S. and EU have echoed calls for their withdrawal in accordance with the Pretoria Agreement. However, Ethiopia has newly suggested that factions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front are working with external forces, likely Eritrea, to incite conflict.
Eritrea’s Minister reaffirmed his country’s stance on the Pretoria Agreement, stating it is an internal Ethiopian matter with no intention for Eritrea to interfere. Relations between the two nations had been positive during the TPLF conflict, yet have deteriorated post-agreement. Additionally, Saleh rejected notions of maritime ambitions as misguided, urging the international community to ensure Ethiopia respects its neighbors’ sovereignty.
Recent reports indicate that both countries are positioning troops near the northeastern border, stirring concerns of potential conflict over Assab. Ethiopia’s government has painted Eritrea as a destabilizing influence, while Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of provoking hostilities.
The escalating tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are marked by mutual accusations and military deployments near their border. Eritrea seeks to clarify its position regarding its military presence and requests international support for the recognition of its sovereignty. As diplomatic communications continue, the situation remains precarious, necessitating vigilant observation from the international community to avert conflict.
Original Source: borkena.com
