Eritrea is allegedly closing its embassy in Ethiopia amidst rising tensions, with staff being sent home. Both governments have not confirmed the closure. Accusations of war-mongering and military mobilization are fueling fears of impending conflict between the two nations.
Eritrea is reportedly closing its embassy in Addis Ababa amidst escalating tensions with Ethiopia. Sources indicate that embassy staff are being sent home, with only the Eritrean representative to the African Union remaining operational. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Eritrea’s Ministry of Information or Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the embassy closure.
Ethiopia continues to maintain an embassy in Asmara; however, they currently lack an assigned ambassador. Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebreab, recently accused the Ethiopian government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, of inflating internal issues into external conflicts and engaging in war-mongering.
This statement was a response to an op-ed by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome on Al Jazeera, which accused Eritrea of colluding with factions of the TPLF to instigate war. Teshome also alleged that Eritrea profited from conflict. Recent social media reports suggest Eritrea is implementing nationwide mobilization, requiring all males up to 60 years of age to prepare for potential conflict with the Ethiopian government.
Following the end of the longstanding “no-peace-no-war” status in 2018, relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia initially improved significantly. Ethiopian Airlines reinstated flights between the two nations, and families were able to reunite. However, recently, Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights, and communication lines have been severed again due to rising tensions.
These deteriorating relations are thought to stem from the Pretoria Agreement, which concluded the two-year war between the TPLF and the Ethiopian federal government in November 2022. Eritrea has denied any association between its tensions with Ethiopia and this agreement. Former Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government has leveled accusations of Eritrea supplying arms to local forces and colluding with TPLF factions.
Abiy Ahmed has reportedly instructed military leaders to be prepared in light of these developments, while also providing support to Eritrean opposition groups known as Brigade Nhamedu. Concerns are emerging that a new conflict may erupt between Eritrea and Ethiopia, although some Eritrean activists argue that Abiy Ahmed lacks the military capacity for such a confrontation.
Eritrea’s embassy closure in Ethiopia highlights the escalating diplomatic rift between the two nations. Accusations from both sides reflect heightened tensions linked to recent conflicts and political maneuvers. Furthermore, the historical context surrounding their relations indicates that a potential military confrontation remains a genuine concern, given the current mobilization and preparations being reported in Eritrea. These developments underscore the fragility of peace in the region.
Original Source: borkena.com
