Date: 17/10/2023Author: Martin Plaut 0 Comments
Source: By Rashid Abdi
It has been apparent for almost a year relations between the two former allies was deteriorating.
Growing friction between Ethiopia and Eritrea could lead to war unless speedily managed. I have learnt from impeccable sources Egypt latest country approached to try to calm tensions between Asmara and Addis.
Eritrean Foreign Minister on the weekend delivered a letter to the Egyptian President from his Eritrean counterpart. It is believed the letter contained Eritrean complaints against Ethiopia and in particular calls by PM Abiy to stake a claim on a Red Sea port.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry had talks with his Eritrean counterpart Osman Saleh and Eritrean Presidential Adviser for political affairs Yemane Gebreab
It has been apparent for almost a year relations between the two former allies was deteriorating. PM Abiy’s comments on Red Sea going down badly in Asmara. Eritrea mildly rebuked the PM and said rhetoric “excessive” Eritrea’s biggest grouse remains the Pretoria peace accord.
Eritrea believes the accord was driven by the US, designed to save the TPLF. Asmara preferred the total surrender of TPLF. Ethiopia feels aggrieved that Eritrea continues to maintain troops in parts of Tigray and feels this could ultimately torpedo the Pretoria accord.
At the start of the Amhara conflict in August 2023, there were fears Eritrea may become directly involved. This did not happen for a variety of reasons. Still concerns abound in Ethiopia about alleged Eritrean “meddling”.
PM Abiy and President Isaias have been strong allies. They could still rekindle their friendship and find a negotiated path that allows Addis to gain a sea outlet and manage peace in Tigray better. That would entail an honest dialogue with each other, not sniping at each other.
A war between Ethiopia and Eritrea will be catastrophic and must be avoided.