Eritrea calls for international pressure on Ethiopia as tensions rise. The Eritrean Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, briefs diplomats denying claims of troop redeployment and accusations of war preparations. Meanwhile, Ethiopia accuses the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of colluding with Eritrea. Compounding concerns arise over military buildup at their northeastern border, risking potential conflict.
Eritrea has called for international intervention to address increasing tensions with Ethiopia. Diplomatic discussions took place in Asmara, where Eritrea’s Ministry of Information conveyed its position on accusations of war preparations against Ethiopia. Foreign Minister Osman Saleh emphasized that Eritrea has not redeployed troops to the Ethiopia-Eritrea border since November 2022, post-conflict, rejecting allegations of Eritrean military presence in Ethiopian territory.
The Tigray authorities have claimed that Eritrean troops continue to be active in their region, reportedly involved in human rights violations. U.S. and EU officials have endorsed TPLF leaders’ demands for Eritrean troop withdrawal from Tigray, despite the peace outlined in the Pretoria Agreement. Recently, the Ethiopian government shifted focus, alleging that TPLF factions are seeking conflict through supposed collaboration with Eritrea.
During the Asmara briefing, Osman Saleh reiterated Eritrea’s stance that the Pretoria Agreement should be regarded as solely an internal affair for Ethiopia, avoiding any external pressure from Eritrea. Historically, bilateral relations flourished during the TPLF-Ethiopia conflict, though they have significantly worsened since the war’s cessation in November 2022.
Saleh firmly dismissed claims surrounding Eritrea’s aspirations for maritime access, urging the international community to compel Ethiopia to honor its neighbors’ sovereignty. Both countries are reportedly amassing troops near their northeastern border, leading to rising concerns about potential conflict over the port of Assab.
In parallel, Ethiopia has characterized Eritrea as a disruptive entity in the Horn of Africa, while Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of escalating tensions. Recent troop maneuvers by both states have intensified fears of confrontations in the region.
Eritrea’s request for international pressure on Ethiopia amid escalating tensions highlights the complexities of regional dynamics. Both nations face mutual accusations, particularly regarding military maneuvers and human rights concerns. The ongoing disputes encapsulated in the Pretoria Agreement pose significant challenges to peace and stability, necessitating a thoughtful and strategic international response.
Original Source: borkena.com
