ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia has confirmed that Eritrean troops are present inside Ethiopian territory and has demanded their immediate withdrawal, adding to growing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Enatalem Melese, Ethiopia’s Minister of Communication Services, said that all foreign forces operating inside Ethiopia’s sovereign territory must leave immediately.
“All foreign forces present inside our sovereign territory must leave immediately. In particular, Eritrean forces operating in Tigray must withdraw from Ethiopian territory.”
The statement marks a significant escalation in Ethiopia’s public position toward Eritrea and comes amid renewed military and political tensions in the northern Tigray region.
The Ethiopian government has not specified what action it would take if Eritrean forces refuse to withdraw. However, the demand underscores the seriousness of the current dispute between Addis Ababa and Asmara.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have increased as fighting and political disagreements have resurfaced in Tigray. The presence of Eritrean forces in the region has become one of the most sensitive issues between the two governments.
The situation also raises concerns that renewed tensions could undermine the fragile peace established after the 2022 Pretoria agreement, which ended the two-year war in Tigray.
Ethiopian authorities have called for foreign troops to leave the country, while Eritrea’s position on the latest demand remains unclear.
With no clear indication of Ethiopia’s next steps, the situation remains highly sensitive and could have wider security implications for the Horn of Africa.
