Eritrea has voiced strong objections to Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, labeling them as “misguided and outdated.” Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh expressed confusion and concern during a briefing to diplomats and UN officials in Asmara, emphasizing the need for Ethiopia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries.
Saleh criticized what he described as false claims regarding Eritrea’s military positions and intentions, stating that the Eritrean Defense Forces have been redeployed within Eritrea’s recognized borders since the end of the Tigray conflict in 2022. He attributed misinformation to ex-members of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), who he claimed are attempting to destabilize Eritrea.
Additionally, Saleh clarified Eritrea’s stance on the Pretoria Agreement, viewing it as an internal Ethiopian matter, and firmly denied any Eritrean involvement in the ongoing conflicts within Ethiopia. This stance comes amid accusations from Ethiopian officials suggesting Eritrea might be exploiting political divisions within Ethiopia to weaken peace processes and potentially reignite conflict in the region.
The Eritrean statement follows heightened tensions and accusations from both sides, with Ethiopian and Tigray officials warning of possible renewed conflicts. U.S. Senator James Risch has also expressed concern, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions to avoid catastrophic consequences.
