Eritrea Urges International Pressure on Ethiopia Amid Escalating Tensions

Eritrea is urging international pressure on Ethiopia due to escalating tensions, with Eritrean officials denying accusations of war preparations. There are allegations from Tigray authorities regarding Eritrean troop presence and human rights violations. Relations have soured post the Pretoria Agreement of November 2022, with Ethiopia accusing TPLF factions of external collusion.

Eritrea is currently urging for international pressure on Ethiopia as tensions escalate between the two nations. Recently, Eritrean officials, including Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, briefed diplomats and UN representatives in Asmara regarding what they termed “false accusations” about Eritrea preparing for war and pursuing maritime access. During the briefing, Eritrea emphasized that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) have returned to their internationally acknowledged borders, asserting that no new troop deployments have occurred since the conflict’s conclusion in November 2022.

Contrary to Eritrea’s claims, authorities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia have alleged the presence of Eritrean troops in their territory, accusing them of severe human rights violations. The U.S. State Department and the European Union have shown support for calls from Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leaders regarding the withdrawal of these Eritrean forces. The discourse has shifted recently as the Ethiopian government now posits that a faction of TPLF is allegedly working with external elements, presumably Eritrea, to instigate tumult within the region.

During the diplomatic briefing, Eritrea reiterated its non-interference stance in the internal affairs of Ethiopia. Osman Saleh stated that Eritrea views the Pretoria Agreement, which ended hostilities in November 2022, as an internal affair for Ethiopia. Following the signing of the agreement, relations declined despite Eritrea’s prior alliance with the Ethiopian government during the TPLF conflict. Eritrea’s Foreign Minister also criticized what he referred to as outdated aspirations regarding maritime access, urging the international community to reinforce Ethiopia’s respect for neighboring states’ sovereignty.

Notably, Ethiopia has also conducted a diplomatic briefing where it has characterized Eritrea as a source of instability in the Horn of Africa, further complicating relations. Recent media reports indicate troop movements from both countries along their northeastern borders, raising alarms about a potential military confrontation over the Assab region.

Eritrea’s call for international intervention highlights the deepening rift between it and Ethiopia. As allegations of troop presence and accusations continue to fly, both nations find themselves on the brink of increased military tensions, particularly concerning border security and regional stability. The response from the international community may prove crucial in de-escalating these tensions and fostering dialogue.

Original Source: borkena.com