Ethiopia and Eritrea are on the brink of renewed war due to rising tensions in Tigray after a civil war. The 2018 peace agreement is at risk following Eritrea’s exclusion from a recent peace deal. Military mobilizations by both sides escalate concerns of direct conflict, threatening the stability of the Horn of Africa region.
Ethiopia and Eritrea are facing renewed tensions, with officials warning that a potential conflict could follow a recent increase in instability in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. This escalation would endanger the peace established by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts to foster reconciliation with Eritrea, and could escalate into another humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa.
The unrest is linked to a civil war that occurred from 2020-2022 in Tigray, which resulted in significant casualties. Eritrean forces had previously crossed into Tigray to assist Ethiopia’s federal army against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Following a peace agreement in November 2022, tensions escalated as Eritrea was not included in the talks, which further complicated relationships between the countries and the TPLF.
Recently, a faction within the TPLF seized the town of Adigrat, alleging that the interim administration was betraying Tigrayan interests. This has sparked mutual accusations, raising concerns among experts about the potential for both countries backing competing interests in Tigray, which may lead to direct military engagement.
In light of these developments, Eritrea initiated a nationwide military mobilization, while Ethiopia moved troops towards its border with Eritrea. Despite multiple requests for comments, representatives from both governments have remained silent on the situation, contributing to uncertainty about their intentions.
Historically, Eritrea and Ethiopia’s interactions have been complex. After Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1993, relations soured following a border conflict that led to thousands of deaths. Diplomatic ties were restored in 2018, permitting family reunifications and economic collaboration, but these have since deteriorated due to events during the Tigray conflict, notably Eritrea’s exclusion from the peace agreement and Ethiopia’s statements regarding potential sea access.
The precarious situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea is heightened by recent tensions in Tigray, with historical grievances surfacing amidst fears of military conflict. The diplomatic progress made by the 2018 peace agreement is now jeopardized, as mutual accusations and military mobilizations suggest a potential return to hostilities. The international community remains watchful of developments, recognizing the dire humanitarian implications of renewed warfare.
Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke
