Eritrea Urges International Attention Amidst Tensions with Ethiopia
Eritrea has called for international pressure on Ethiopia as relations worsen. Minister Osman Saleh addressed diplomats regarding accusations of war preparations and troop presence, denying Eritrean involvement in Tigray. The Ethiopian government, meanwhile, points to alleged TPLF collaborations with external forces, including Eritrea. Both nations have bolstered military deployments near their borders amidst escalating accusations of destabilization and warmongering, signaling potential conflict risks.
Eritrea’s tensions with Ethiopia are escalating, prompting Eritrean officials to seek international attention. Recently, Eritrea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Osman Saleh, addressed diplomats in Asmara, elaborating on accusations from Ethiopia regarding war preparations and Eritrean troop presence. He emphasized that, “The EDF has been redeployed to Eritrea’s internationally recognized borders following the end of the conflict in November 2022,” refuting claims of troop deployments along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border.
Eritrea firmly denies any military presence within Ethiopian territory and contends that assertions of Eritrean troops in the Tigray region are unfounded, suggesting they serve as scapegoats for Ethiopia’s domestic issues. Ethiopian leaders and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have leveled accusations against Eritrean forces for human rights violations. In contrast, the Ethiopian government has shifted narratives, alleging TPLF factions are collaborating with outside influences, including Eritrea, to instigate conflict.
During the meeting with diplomats, Saleh reiterated Eritrea’s non-interference stance regarding the Pretoria Agreement, claiming it is an internal Ethiopian affair. He dismissed claims regarding Eritrea’s ambitions for maritime access as misguided, urging international pressure on Ethiopia to honor the sovereignty of neighboring nations. The dynamics between the two nations, once allied against the TPLF, have soured in the aftermath of the Pretoria Agreement’s peace settlement.
Concerns are growing as both Eritrea and Ethiopia reportedly mobilize troops in northeastern border regions, raising fears of an impending confrontation concerning the Assab area. Each government continues to portray the other in a negative light, with Ethiopia labeling Eritrea a destabilizing force and Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of inciting war. Recent developments highlight the precarious nature of relations between the two countries as diplomatic efforts unfold.
The rising tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia reflect complex historical conflicts and accusations from both sides. Eritrea’s calls for international pressure on Ethiopia emphasize the need for diplomatic resolution and respect for sovereignty. As military deployments in border regions raise alarm, it becomes imperative for the international community to monitor the situation closely and mediate a peaceful solution that addresses the grievances of all parties involved.
Original Source: borkena.com
