Eritrea has called for international pressure on Ethiopia to respect neighboring nations’ sovereignty amid rising tensions. Following a peace agreement in 2018, relations soured due to the Tigray conflict. Eritrean officials have disputed allegations of military mobilization, urging the global community to intervene as fears of renewed conflict escalate, with substantial casualties historically associated with their hostilities.
Eritrea has urged the international community to compel Ethiopia to acknowledge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring states amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Historically, these countries harbored animosities, although they reached a peace agreement in 2018, following years of conflict since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Relations deteriorated further following the Tigray conflict from 2020 to 2022, when Eritrea engaged militarily alongside Ethiopia against Tigrayan forces.
The Eritrean government has expressed discontent with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s assertions regarding Ethiopian interests in the port of Assab and the desire for maritime access. Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrean Information Minister, criticized Ethiopia’s ambitions, stating that Eritrea is confounded by these perceived outdated ambitions involving potential paths to naval bases either through diplomacy or military action. He insisted that the international community must advocate for respect for Eritrea’s sovereignty.
In an additional statement, Gebremeskel dismissed allegations of Eritrean military plans against Ethiopia as unfounded. The situation remained tense, prompting inquiries from AFP to Ethiopian officials, who did not provide comments. A February report from Human Rights Concern Eritrea (HRCE) indicated that a nationwide military mobilization was mandated for Eritrean residents under 60, although these claims remain unverified independently.
Reports surfaced about weapon convoys moving towards northern Afar, the region of Ethiopia adjacent to Eritrea. General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a Tigrayan military strategist, warned that conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia could erupt at any time. Notably, the previous war between these nations resulted in the deaths of approximately 600,000 individuals, with ongoing clashes reported among factions of Tigray’s ruling party persisting in the region, indicating a highly volatile situation.
In summary, escalating tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia highlight the critical need for international intervention to maintain regional stability. Eritrea’s call for respect of sovereignty emphasizes the fragility of relations forged by a past peace agreement. As military preparations and unverified claims of mobilization surface, the potential for renewed conflict necessitates urgent diplomatic engagements among global leaders to avert further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
