What's happened
Ethiopia has ordered Eritrea to withdraw troops amid accusations of border incursions and support for rebel groups. Relations have deteriorated since Ethiopia's peace deal with Tigray, with recent clashes raising fears of renewed conflict. Both sides deny the allegations, but tensions remain high.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation underscores the fragile state of Ethiopia-Eritrea relations, which are driven by longstanding border disputes and regional power dynamics. Ethiopia's accusations of Eritrean support for rebels serve as a diplomatic tool to justify military actions and rally domestic support. Eritrea's denial and its historical independence from Ethiopia complicate diplomatic efforts. The international community's silence or cautious response risks emboldening both sides, potentially leading to wider regional instability. The current tensions threaten to reignite conflict in a region already scarred by war, with the possibility of spillover into neighboring countries. The next steps will likely involve increased military posturing unless diplomatic channels are urgently reopened, but the deep mistrust suggests a protracted crisis.
What the papers say
Reuters reports that Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of occupying territory and supporting armed groups, with Ethiopia's Foreign Minister demanding Eritrea's withdrawal. Al Jazeera highlights the historical context of peace and conflict, noting Eritrea's exclusion from recent peace deals and the ongoing accusations. All Africa emphasizes the recent clashes in Tigray and the potential for renewed conflict, while The New Arab and AP News detail the broader regional tensions and the international concern over escalating violence. The divergence in tone—Ethiopia's formal accusations versus Eritrea's silence—reflects the deep mistrust and complex regional rivalry at play.
How we got here
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have long been strained, marked by a border war (1998-2000) and a peace deal in 2018. Ethiopia's recent conflict in Tigray and Eritrea's exclusion from the 2022 peace agreement have worsened relations. Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of supporting rebels and occupying territory, while Eritrea denies these claims and criticizes Ethiopia's rhetoric on Red Sea access.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is Ethiopia demanding Eritrea withdraw troops?
Recent tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have escalated, with Ethiopia demanding Eritrea withdraw its troops amid accusations of incursion and regional destabilization. This conflict raises important questions about regional stability, the causes behind the dispute, and the potential for further escalation. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for East Africa.
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Why Are Ethiopia and Eritrea Fighting Again?
Recent clashes between Ethiopia and Eritrea have raised concerns about a potential return to full-scale conflict. Tensions have escalated over border disputes, accusations of support for rebel groups, and historical rivalries. Many are wondering what’s behind this renewed hostility and what it means for regional stability. Below, we explore the key questions about the current conflict and what might happen next.
More on these topics
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Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to
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Eritrea, officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in Eastern Africa, with its capital at Asmara. It is bordered by Ethiopia in the south, Sudan in the west, and Djibouti in the southeast.
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Abiy Ahmed Ali is an Ethiopian politician serving as 4th Prime Minister of Ethiopia of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia since 2 April 2018.
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The Tigray Region (or simply Tigray; officially the Tigray National Regional State) is the northernmost regional state in Ethiopia. The Tigray Region is the homeland of the Tigrayan, Irob and Kunama people. Its capital and largest city is Mekelle. Tigray.