Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of launching an “all-out invasion,” prompting it to defend itself, as confirmed in a letter to the UN. This letter also highlighted ongoing explosions near the border. Eritrea’s information minister countered that Eritrea has shown restraint since Ethiopia declared a war of aggression against it in 2023, mentioning Ethiopia’s desire for sovereign access to the sea. The situation escalated after reports of Eritrean troops crossing into Ethiopia, increasing fears of war in a region already affected by conflict and tension.
Ethiopia lost its coastline when Eritrea gained independence in 1993 and considers regaining access to the sea critical, although it claims it seeks this through peaceful means. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting rebel groups against its government, stating that Eritrean forces have advanced as far as 60 kilometers into Ethiopia. The letter, dated Thursday and addressed to the French Foreign Minister, also went to the other members of the UN Security Council.
In response, Eritrea claimed that Ethiopia has been waging an unprovoked war against it for over three years, allegedly trying to seize the Eritrean port of Assab to regain access to the Red Sea. Reports indicated the presence of Eritrean soldiers in northern Ethiopia shortly after diplomatic ties were cut. Although Eritrea’s statement did not address the troop deployments, it suggested that Ethiopia’s accusations were attempts to rationalize aggression against Eritrea.
In recent conflicts near the border, Ethiopian drones have targeted retreating Eritrean forces. Ethiopian government troops have been advancing in Tigray, and flights to the regional capital, Mekelle, are set to resume. Eritrea has denied supporting rebel factions that have been in conflict with Ethiopian federal forces since September 23. The recent fighting has become the most severe violence since the end of the Tigray conflict, which resulted in significant loss of life.
With information from Reuters
