Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Military Hostility and Supporting Insurgents

Ethiopia has leveled accusations against neighboring Eritrea, claiming it has engaged in military aggression and has been backing armed groups active within Ethiopian borders, indicating a serious decline in the relationship between the two former allies.

In a correspondence dated February 7, which was reviewed by Reuters, Ethiopia's Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos, asserted that Eritrean troops have occupied parts of Ethiopian territory along the border for an extended period and have provided support for militant groups operating in Ethiopia.

Gedion described the intrusion of Eritrean military forces deeper into Ethiopian territory not merely as provocations but as outright acts of aggression. He called for the immediate withdrawal of these troops and the cessation of any support to the armed groups operating within Ethiopia, in a letter addressed to Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh.

These serious allegations emerge amid a historically complex relationship marked by conflict and cooperation. Ethiopia and Eritrea were embroiled in a brutal border conflict from 1998 to 2000 but signed a peace agreement in 2018. Subsequently, they became partners in Ethiopia's two-year struggle against regional authorities in the Tigray region.

However, Eritrea did not sign the 2022 agreement that concluded the Tigray war, leading to a deterioration in relations. Recent confrontations between Tigrayan forces and Ethiopian troops have further intensified fears of renewed instability in the region.

In his letter, Gedion cautioned against potential escalation, mentioning what he referred to as joint military activities between Eritrean forces and Ethiopian armed factions near the northwestern border.

An official spokesperson for the Eritrean government indicated that they were verifying whether the letter was formally received by the foreign ministry. As of now, Eritrea has not provided a substantial reaction to the accusations.

Furthermore, tension has been exacerbated by repeated comments from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has stated that Ethiopia, which is landlocked, has the right to access the sea. Such remarks have been interpreted by Eritrea, which has a coastline along the Red Sea, as a veiled threat of military action.

Despite the harsh accusations, Gedion emphasized that Ethiopia remains open to discussions, contingent on Eritrea's respect for its territorial integrity. He expressed Addis Ababa's readiness to engage in sincere negotiations on issues of common concern, including maritime rights and possible access to the Red Sea via Eritrea’s Assab port.

This exchange highlights the increasing strain between two nations whose delicate peace is now appearing increasingly precarious.