Ethiopia–Eritrea Tensions Rise as Fighting Returns to Tigray

ADDIS ABABA — Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have sharply increased as fighting returns to Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups opposing the federal government. Eritrea denies the allegation. Ethiopia has also closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, while Eritrea responded by cutting diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.

The African Union has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.

The renewed fighting is raising concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Ethiopia’s borders, particularly because of the already unstable situation in neighbouring Sudan and tensions around the Red Sea.

Monafrika Focus:
The Horn of Africa is facing another serious security test. The immediate concern is preventing renewed fighting in Tigray from developing into a wider regional conflict.