Eritrea Urges International Community to Ensure Ethiopian Respect for Sovereignty

Eritrea has called on the international community to pressure Ethiopia to honor the sovereignty of its neighbors, citing increased tensions following the Tigray war. The Eritrean government expresses concern over Ethiopia’s intentions regarding access to the port of Assab and alleged military activity, indicating the volatility of regional relations amid fears of renewed conflict.

Eritrea recently urged the international community to exert pressure on Ethiopia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries. This call for respect comes amid rising tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia, particularly following the events of the Tigray war from 2020 to 2022, which further strained their relationship that had been improved by a peace agreement in 2018.

The relationship soured particularly when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made statements suggesting Ethiopia’s interest in the port of Assab, which incensed Eritrean officials. Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Information Minister, expressed that Eritrea is baffled by Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, labelling them as outdated and misguided. He called upon the international community to encourage Ethiopia to respect its neighbors’ sovereignty as he addressed ongoing misinformation regarding Eritrea’s military readiness.

Moreover, a February report from Human Rights Concern Eritrea noted that Asmara had initiated a nationwide military mobilization for all residents under 60. While the authenticity of the report could not be independently verified by AFP, it indicated significant military activities in proximity to the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, emphasizing the precarious security situation in the region.

General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a military strategist, warned that potential hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea could erupt unexpectedly, highlighting the volatile circumstances in the region and pointing to the traumatic history of previous conflicts that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

The ongoing tensions and military mobilizations signify a critical juncture for the Horn of Africa, as regional stability is at risk if diplomatic resolutions are not pursued with urgency. The international community’s role in facilitating dialogue and respecting national boundaries will be vital in maintaining peace and avoiding further conflict.

In summary, Eritrea’s call for the international community to pressure Ethiopia highlights the fragility of relations between these two nations. The resurgence of military mobilizations and alarming statements from officials underscore the risk of renewed conflict in the region. The urgency of respecting territorial sovereignty and facilitating dialogue cannot be overstated in preventing the potential outbreak of hostilities.

Original Source: newscentral.africa