Gebru Asrat Discusses Key Factors Before Potential Eritrea-Ethiopia Conflict

Gebru Asrat discussed the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, emphasizing that the inauguration of an ammunition factory in Ethiopia does not directly correlate with a potential war. He underscored the necessity of legal and diplomatic efforts to address claims over Assab before pursuing military action, while also addressing the role of foreign powers in the potential conflict. His critique of political misunderstandings and social media dynamics reflects the broader discourse on the matter.

In an interview with Ethiopian Reporter, Gebru Asrat, a former executive of the TPLF and president of the Tigray Regional State, addressed the rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. This conversation notably followed the inauguration of an ammunition factory in Ethiopia and a military mobilization in Eritrea, prompting inquiries about potential conflict.

Gebru Asrat posits that there is no direct connection between Ethiopia’s newly inaugurated ammunition factory and an impending war with Eritrea, despite widespread concerns about conflict. He advocates for domestic ammunition production, emphasizing the necessity of self-defense capabilities that do not rely on imports vulnerable to disruption. Additionally, he recognizes the economic benefits of producing ammunition locally, as it circumvents the need for hard currency expenditures.

While discussing the prospect of war, Gebru asserts that current conditions do not present any fundamental reasons for conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He identifies Assab as a significant flashpoint and advises against immediate military action, suggesting instead that Ethiopia should strengthen its legal claims to Assab through proper diplomatic channels, particularly before the United Nations and the African Union.

He critiqued Ethiopian leadership for their lack of understanding concerning Eritrea’s enduring strategy toward Ethiopia, which he characterizes as a desire to see Ethiopia weakened, allowing Eritrea to position itself as a regional power. Furthermore, he accuses Eritrea of unlawfully controlling Ethiopian territory.

Additionally, Gebru suggests that should a conflict arise, foreign powers including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran may intervene, given their vested interests in the region. In response, Eritrean officials, including Minister of Information Yemane Gebremeskel, have dismissed accusations and labeled the rhetoric of war as knee-jerk hysteria prevalent in certain Ethiopian political circles.

The discourse surrounding the potential for conflict has been exacerbated by heated exchanges on social media, revealing a rising tide of accusations between supporters of the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments.

In conclusion, Gebru Asrat emphasizes the need for legal and diplomatic approaches over military measures regarding the Ethiopia-Eritrea situation, advocating for strategic preparation and understanding of regional dynamics to prevent escalation into war.

In summary, Gebru Asrat’s interview highlights critical insights into the current tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He strongly argues against military action without a thorough legal and diplomatic framework, particularly regarding claims to Assab. His concerns about the implications of regional foreign interests add further complexity to the dialogue on peace and conflict management in the Horn of Africa, underscoring the need for careful consideration of the political landscape.

Original Source: borkena.com