Eritrea is reportedly closing its embassy in Ethiopia due to escalating tensions, with accusations exchanged between both nations. Eritrean officials have accused the Ethiopian government of warmongering, while Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of involvement with TPLF factions. National mobilization reports from Eritrea indicate potential conflict preparations, raising concerns about another war in the region.
Eritrea is reportedly in the process of closing its embassy in Addis Ababa amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Sources indicate that embassy staff are being sent home, with only Eritrea’s representative to the African Union remaining operational. There has been no official confirmation from Eritrea’s Ministry of Information or Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding this closure. Ethiopia continues to maintain its embassy in Asmara, although it currently lacks an assigned ambassador.
Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebreab, publicly accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government of “externalizing its internal problems” and engaging in “warmongering.” This statement follows an op-ed by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who alleged that Eritrea is complicity involved with a faction of the TPLF group to instigate conflict against Ethiopia, further claiming that Eritrea is commodifying warfare.
Recent social media reports suggest that Eritrea may have ordered nationwide mobilization, compelling all men under the age of 60 to prepare for potential conflict with the Abiy Ahmed administration. The evolving relations echo a significant shift since the 2018 peace agreement that ended decades of hostility, which had improved bilateral ties, facilitated Ethiopian Airlines flights, and allowed for family reunifications.
The current strain is linked to the Pretoria Agreement, which concluded a two-year war involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government. Despite Eritrea’s insistence that its tensions with Ethiopia are unrelated to this agreement, tensions have escalated, with allegations arising that Eritrea is supplying arms to opposing forces.
Additionally, Abiy Ahmed’s government has been accused of backing Eritrean opposition groups, heightening fears of an impending conflict. Nevertheless, some pro-government Eritrean activists express skepticism about Abiy Ahmed’s military capacity to confront Eritrea. The situation remains precarious as both nations navigate this increasingly hostile atmosphere.
In summary, Eritrea’s decision to close its embassy in Ethiopia reflects a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations amidst mutual accusations of warmongering. The allegations surrounding military mobilizations and respective government actions indicate a volatile situation that could potentially escalate into conflict. As both nations grapple with historical tensions, the international community remains watchful of developments in the Horn of Africa, aiming to prevent further violence and instability.
Original Source: borkena.com
