Eritrea has rejected accusations from Ethiopia’s former president, which claimed Eritrea’s involvement in various regional conflicts and potential escalation of war in Ethiopia. The Eritrean Ministry of Information stated that Ethiopia’s internal issues should not be blamed on Eritrea and reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to peace. The response also addressed historical conflicts and criticized recent Ethiopian maritime initiatives as sources of regional tension.
Eritrea has firmly rejected accusations made by Mulatu Teshome, the former president of Ethiopia, who alleged that Eritrea is involved in various conflicts across the Horn of Africa and could potentially reignite wars in Northern Ethiopia. The Eritrean Ministry of Information emphasized that Ethiopia’s domestic crises should not be blamed on Asmara. Yemane G. Meskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, described the claims as an “audacious claim” intended to obscure Ethiopia’s internal conflicts.
In its statement, Eritrea reiterated its commitment to peace and regional stability, asserting that the challenges Ethiopia faces arise from its own political situation. The Eritrean government stated, “scapegoating Eritrea will not provide a solution” to Ethiopia’s struggles. Additionally, Eritrea attributed the violent border conflict of 1998-2000 to Ethiopia’s occupation of Eritrean lands, showcasing the historical context of their relationship.
The ties between Eritrea and Ethiopia were normalized in 2018 when Ethiopia acknowledged the ruling of the Boundary Commission, following years of unresolved tensions. Relations experienced strain after the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, which attempted to end the two-year-long conflict in Tigray, during which Eritrean forces were implicated in serious human rights violations. Eritrea insisted that its presence was justified, stating it provided support to Ethiopian military efforts during the conflict.
Eritrea also dismissed allegations regarding dissatisfaction with the Pretoria Agreement, asserting that it is an internal matter for Ethiopia and that Eritrea is neither interested in obstructing nor interfering. Moreover, regarding the ongoing internal conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, Eritrea argued that these issues should not be attributed to the neighboring nation.
Eritrea criticized Ethiopia’s recent initiatives concerning access to maritime routes and the Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, labeling it as a source of “commotion and disquiet,” which exacerbates regional tension. Furthermore, while Mulatu Teshome accused Eritrea of manipulating divisions within the TPLF during the Tigray conflict, Eritrea chose not to address this particular allegation in its statement.
Eritrea has categorically denied accusations of involvement in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, emphasizing that Ethiopia’s issues stem from its own political dynamics. The Eritrean government maintains its commitment to peace and stability in the region while condemning externalization of conflicts. The response highlights the historical complexities between the two nations and underscores Eritrea’s position against interference in Ethiopia’s domestic affairs.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
