Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea are witnessing a serious escalation, with both sides exchanging accusations and warnings of a potential new military conflict. The tensions come amid disputes over access to the Red Sea and the role of armed factions within Ethiopia.
In an official message sent by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos to the UN Secretary-General, Ethiopia accused Eritrea of "preparing for war" against it, claiming that Asmara is cooperating with a hardline faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The Ethiopian government also accused Eritrea and Tigray supporters of funding and directing armed groups in the Amhara region, a move Addis Ababa described as aimed at destabilizing the country internally.
At the same time, Ethiopia raised the issue of restoring its access to the Red Sea, which it considers central to its regional strategy.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, however, denied that his country seeks military conflict, affirming that Ethiopia "has no intention of waging war over the sea," and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Eritrea responded sharply to the Ethiopian accusations, describing the UN letter as "provocative propaganda," and denied any military preparations for aggression against Ethiopia.
Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel stated that Addis Ababa’s statements reflect "an intensive propaganda campaign" intended to implicate Eritrea and threaten its sovereignty. He added that the real issue lies in Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, which Asmara views as a threat to its strategic position, particularly regarding its Red Sea ports such as Massawa and the territories it fears losing.
This escalation comes at a time when the Tigray region is experiencing renewed tension, raising concerns that it could become a new flashpoint for conflict between the two neighbors, especially if Eritrean support intersects with opposing Tigrayan factions.
Analysts warn that such a conflict could have significant humanitarian and regional repercussions, particularly as relations between the two sides have not fully healed since the end of the last Tigray war.