Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of using the border dispute as a pretext for conflict. Yemane Gebremeskel warns of hostilities, countering claims of Eritrean occupation by Tigray officials. The TIA vice president predicts an inevitable war, underscoring regional tensions. Challenges remain to achieve peace amidst these accusations and military preparations.
Eritrea has alleged that Ethiopia is exploiting their enduring border dispute as a pretext to incite conflict. In a recent statement via social media, Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, cautioned against a potential revival of hostilities in the Horn of Africa. This assertion comes in the wake of claims by Tigray Interim Administration (TIA) President Getachew Reda, who accused Eritrea of attempting to capitalize on the instability in Tigray.
During a media briefing in Addis Ababa, Getachew referred to the Eritrean regime as a “rogue element” seeking advantages from the region’s turmoil. He expressed concerns that Eritrea views Tigray as a “buffer zone” against possible military initiatives from the Ethiopian government, utilizing what he termed the “illegal” TPLF faction to provoke further conflict.
Abraham Belay, a former Defense Minister, highlighted that Eritrean forces continue to occupy Tigrayan territories and demanded their immediate withdrawal, stating, “They must withdraw one hundred percent from Tigrayan territory.” Yemane, however, refuted these claims as “false,” asserting that Eritrean troops remain in their sovereign borders.
Yemane emphasized that ending hostilities must be a shared commitment for all parties dedicated to the region’s welfare, insisting Eritrea seeks no role in the internal politics of the TPLF. He remarked, “Eritrea has no interest in scuttling” the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Yemane contended that accusations from “conflict entrepreneurs” lacked substantial grounding.
Conversely, Tsadkan Gebretensae, TIA vice president, has warned in The Africa Report that conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea is “inevitable,” with preparations nearing completion. He indicated Tigray could serve as the primary theatre for such a confrontation, stating, “At any moment, war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out.”
Tsadkan further criticized the Eritrean government for its history of exploiting its neighbors, particularly Ethiopia and Sudan. In response, Yemane described Tsadkan as advocating a “toxic agenda” aimed at Eritrea, particularly regarding the coveted port of Assab. He recounted that discussions around the annexation of Assab arose in light of historical conflicts, notably after the 1998-2000 border war.
It has been reported that Eritrea’s control over disputed territories in Ethiopia’s Tigray region originated from its military involvement in the conflict from 2020 to 2022, where it coordinated with the Ethiopian federal government against the TPLF, maintaining a presence despite subsequent peace agreements.
In summary, the accusations between Eritrea and Ethiopia highlight the complexities of their longstanding border dispute. Yemane Gebremeskel’s denial of the allegations and calls for peace reflect Eritrea’s commitment to stability, while the warnings from Tigray officials signify escalating tensions. As both nations prepare for potential conflict, the future of the region remains precarious, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement and resolution.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
