By Horn Africa News
Ethiopia/Eritrea – A new wave of conflict is reportedly emerging between Ethiopia and Eritrea, raising alarm across the Horn of Africa.
Tadese Werede, the leader of Ethiopia’s Tigray regional administration aligned with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has accused Eritrean forces of launching a cross-border incursion into parts of the Tigray region. According to Werede, Eritrean troops have seized control of areas previously held by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) faction loyal to Debretsion Gebremichael, a key rival to Abiy’s federal government.
Reports indicate that the Eritrea-aligned TPLF faction under Debretsion allegedly received arms shipments via Eritrean ports, specifically Assab and Massawa. However, the Eritrean government has dismissed these claims, calling them “baseless excuses to justify renewed conflict.”
In response to the escalating tension, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss efforts aimed at de-escalation. The U.S. has urged both parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions.
Just a day earlier, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki openly accused Ethiopia of preparing for war and warned that Eritrea would respond decisively to any perceived provocation. He stated that Eritrea would not tolerate violations of its sovereignty and suggested that aggression was being planned against his country.
Observers fear that this emerging conflict could destabilize the region further, dragging in neighboring countries and worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation.
As tensions grow, the international community is closely watching the Horn of Africa, calling for immediate diplomatic engagement to prevent another full-scale war.
