Eritrea Advocates for Ethiopia to Respect Neighbours’ Sovereignty

Eritrea urges the international community to pressure Ethiopia to respect its neighbors’ sovereignty as tensions increase. Following the Tigray conflict, relations have worsened, exacerbated by claims over maritime access by Ethiopia. Eritrea’s government denies accusations of military preparations against Ethiopia, while reports of weapons convoys raise concerns about imminent conflict.

On Wednesday, Eritrea emphasized the necessity for the international community to urge Ethiopia to honor its neighbors’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, as bilateral tensions escalate. Historically, the two nations have had a tumultuous relationship, with a peace agreement established in 2018 after years of enmity following Eritrea’s independence in 1993. However, tensions surged again after the Tigray conflict from 2020 to 2022, wherein Eritrea assisted Ethiopia against the Tigrayan forces.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s statements suggesting Ethiopia’s intent to access the port of Assab, coupled with aspirations for maritime access and naval bases, have further aggravated Eritrea. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel articulated this frustration, describing the ambitions as “misguided and outdated.” He stressed the importance of international intervention to ensure Ethiopia respects territorial sovereignty, addressing false accusations of Eritrea preparing for war against Ethiopia.

Furthermore, reports by Human Rights Concern Eritrea (HRCE), although unverified, indicate a nationwide military mobilization order under 60 years of age in Eritrea. In addition, anonymous sources mentioned that weapon convoys were reportedly heading toward northern Afar, an Ethiopian region bordering Eritrea. Strategist General Tsadkan Gebretensae warned that an armed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea is highly plausible given the current tensions, which are exacerbated by recent clashes in the Tigray region.

The aftermath of the Tigray war saw significant loss of life, with estimates of over 600,000 fatalities, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic efforts in the region.

In conclusion, Eritrea’s call for international advocacy emphasizes the critical need for Ethiopia to respect its neighboring countries’ sovereignty amidst rising tensions. Diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have deteriorated since the Tigray conflict, raising concerns about potential military escalation. The situation highlights the necessity for vigilance and proactive engagement from the international community to prevent further conflict in the Horn of Africa.

Original Source: newscentral.africa