The Ethiopian government has distanced itself from former President Mulatu Teshome’s critical comments about Eritrea’s leadership, which provoked a strong backlash from Eritrea. Teshome accused President Isaias Afwerki of seeking conflict in northern Ethiopia and called for international pressure. Eritrea responded dismissively, characterizing Teshome’s remarks as provocative, while the Ethiopian government maintained that his views do not reflect their official stance. Current tensions may lead Eritrea to reconsider its diplomatic presence in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian government has publicly distanced itself from comments made by former President Mulatu Teshome, which sparked a significant reaction from Eritrea. During a recent press conference, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nebiat Getachew clarified that Teshome’s views are personal and based on his regional experience, rather than representing the official stance of the Ethiopian government.
In an opinion editorial published in Al Jazeera on February 17, Mulatu Teshome, who served as Ethiopia’s president from 2013 to 2018 and is an ally of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of intentionally provoking conflict in northern Ethiopia. He advocated for international pressure on Eritrea to avert potential hostilities, comparing Isaias to a pyromaniac who deliberately seeks out chaos and conflict.
“The world must act. Diplomatic pressure must be exerted against those who want to see an end to peace, like Isaias,” stated Teshome, underscoring the urgent need for the global community to intervene. The response from Eritrea was swift and dismissive, with Information Minister Yemane Gebre Meskel framing the accusations as a “false-flag alarm and warmongering,” attributing them to malicious intent.
Following the remarks, the Ethiopian government had remained silent until the recent media briefing when Nebiat Getachew reiterated that Teshome’s statements do not reflect the government’s official position. Amid escalating tensions with Ethiopia, there are indications that Eritrea may contemplate closing its embassy in Addis Ababa and mobilizing its veterans for training initiatives.
In summary, the Ethiopian government’s distancing from former President Mulatu Teshome’s statements highlights the complexity of relations with Eritrea. While Teshome’s views voiced concerns over Isaias Afwerki’s actions, the government asserts that these do not align with its official policy. The situation remains tense, with potential strategic responses from Eritrea as the international community watches closely.
Original Source: www.ethiopiaobserver.com
