Eritrea is reportedly closing its embassy in Ethiopia amid rising tensions. The Eritrean Minister of Information has accused the Ethiopian government of warmongering, following critical remarks from former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome. Social media reports indicate a nationwide mobilization in Eritrea, which raises fears of potential conflict between the two nations, which had previously improved relations after a peace accord in 2018.
Eritrea is reportedly shutting down its embassy in Addis Ababa amid escalating tensions with Ethiopia. Sources indicate that the embassy is returning its staff members, with only the representative to the African Union remaining. At this moment, neither Eritrea’s Ministry of Information nor Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially commented on the closure.
Although Ethiopia has an embassy in Asmara, it currently lacks an assigned ambassador. Recently, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebreab, accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration of externalizing internal problems and engaging in warmongering. This reaction was triggered by remarks from former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who alleged Eritrea’s collaboration with TPLF factions to instigate conflict.
Social media reports suggest that Eritrea may be initiating nationwide mobilization, requiring all men up to 60 years to prepare for a potential conflict with Ethiopia. Following the 2018 peace accord that ended a two-decade stalemate, relations between the two nations notably improved but have since soured, resulting in the suspension of Ethiopian Airlines flights and the disconnection of phone services.
These recent tensions are believed to be linked to the Pretoria Agreement that concluded the war between the TPLF and the federal government in November 2022, though Eritrea denies any connection. Accusations from Abiy Ahmed’s administration include claims of Eritrea providing arms to Fano forces and collaborating with TPLF factions. Amidst this turmoil, Abiy Ahmed has been advising military readiness, although some activists express doubt about his capability to engage in conflict against Eritrea.
The closure of Eritrea’s embassy in Ethiopia signifies deteriorating relations between the two nations, following years of improved ties post-2018 peace negotiations. Accusations from both sides have intensified, with Eritrea alleging warmongering by Ethiopia while Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of supporting TPLF factions. Ongoing concerns about mobilization and military readiness highlight the precarious state of peace in the region.
Original Source: borkena.com
