Eritrea Rejects Ethiopian Accusations
Asmara has vehemently dismissed accusations from Ethiopia that it is preparing for war, characterizing the claims as 'provocative sabre-rattling' and a 'deceitful charade'. The rejection comes amidst escalating tensions between the two Horn of Africa nations, largely centered on Ethiopia's declared ambition to secure access to a Red Sea port.
On October 2, 2025, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, alleging that Eritrea was colluding with a 'hardline faction' of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to 'wage war' against Addis Ababa. The letter claimed that Eritrea and the TPLF were 'funding, mobilizing and directing armed groups' in Ethiopia's Amhara region and had formed a new alliance named 'Tsimdo'.
Eritrea's Counter-Claims and Red Sea Dispute
In response, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel stated on October 9, 2025, that Ethiopia's accusations were part of an 'intense propaganda campaign aimed at whipping up irredentist ambitions'. He further accused Addis Ababa of plotting to undermine Eritrea's 'hard-won independence and sovereignty' by seeking renewed access to the sea.
The core of the renewed friction lies in Ethiopia's long-standing desire for direct access to the Red Sea. Since becoming landlocked after Eritrea's independence in 1993, Ethiopia has viewed sea access as an 'existential issue' for its economic survival. Eritrea, however, perceives Ethiopia's maritime ambitions, particularly concerning ports like Assab, as a direct threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
TPLF Denies Allegations and Historical Context
The TPLF, the former ruling party of Ethiopia's Tigray region, also denied Ethiopia's claims of an alliance with Eritrea. The group described the accusations as 'entirely unfounded' and suggested that Addis Ababa appeared to be 'building a case for yet another war in the region based on unfounded allegations'.
The current animosity marks a significant deterioration in relations that had seen a brief rapprochement in 2018, which earned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize. This followed a brutal border war between Eritrea and Ethiopia from 1998 to 2000. Although Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopian federal forces against the TPLF during the Tigray War (2020-2022), relations soured again, partly due to Eritrea's exclusion from the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the conflict.
Regional Instability Concerns
The exchange of accusations has raised fears of renewed conflict in the already volatile Horn of Africa. Both nations have accused the other of leveraging proxy forces, further destabilizing the region. Eritrean officials have suggested that Ethiopia's accusations are a prelude to justifying future military aggression to achieve its port ambitions.
8 Comments
Leonardo
Ethiopia needs sea access; it's an economic lifeline. Eritrea is being unreasonable.
Raphael
Eritrea's history with the TPLF makes Ethiopia's claims believable. They can't be trusted.
Michelangelo
Renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa would be catastrophic for everyone involved. While Ethiopia seeks vital access, Eritrea's independence must be respected; there's no easy answer here.
Donatello
While Ethiopia's economic need for sea access is understandable, Eritrea's concerns about territorial integrity are equally valid. This situation demands careful diplomatic solutions.
Leonardo
The historical animosity between these nations makes current accusations hard to decipher fully. Both sides have grievances that contribute to this dangerous escalation.
paracelsus
The TPLF alliance with Eritrea is a real threat. Ethiopia must protect itself.
eliphas
It's clear both Ethiopia and Eritrea feel threatened, one by economic strangulation and the other by perceived territorial ambitions. A peaceful resolution seems distant without international mediation.
anubis
The TPLF's denial of an alliance with Eritrea complicates Ethiopia's narrative, yet Eritrea's past actions and current stance on ports fuel Ethiopia's fears. This is a deeply entrenched conflict.