Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome claimed Eritrea is provoking conflict using the TPLF. Eritrea responded with accusations of warmongering, assuming Teshome represented Ethiopia’s stance. However, Ethiopia’s government distanced itself from Teshome’s comments, emphasizing his personal opinion. Meanwhile, Eritrea’s military adjustments and reactions to reports of mobilization indicate increasing tensions between the two countries.
Two weeks prior, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome wrote an op-ed for Al Jazeera, alleging that the Eritrean government is fostering conflict in the Horn of Africa, utilizing a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). He warned that the conflict could extend beyond the region and criticized Eritrea’s government for exploiting war for economic gain.
Initially, there was a strong perception, including from the Eritrean government, that Teshome’s assertions reflected the stance of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. In response, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebremeskel, accused Ethiopia of incitement to war, highlighting the severity of the accusations. Eritrea typically addresses only significant allegations, indicating the seriousness of this situation.
However, the Ethiopian government has since clarified its stance, stating that Teshome’s views were merely his personal opinions. In a press conference, Nebiyu Getachew, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asserted that Ethiopia boasts numerous former presidents, contrasting with Eritrea’s political structure.
Following Teshome’s article, reports emerged regarding adjustments to Eritrea’s military mobilization, including mobilizing former soldiers aged 60 and imposing a travel ban on individuals under 50. A Calgary-based pro-Eritrean activist dismissed these reports as unfounded, expressing a preference for information from Ethiopian state media over that of the BBC.
As relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea continue to decline, there are rising fears of potential military hostilities emerging between the two nations.
This situation highlights the political tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, particularly following former President Teshome’s controversial claims. While the Ethiopian government has distanced itself from these views, Eritrea’s response underscores the seriousness of the allegations. Additionally, military adjustments on Eritrea’s part add to concerns about escalating conflict in the region.
Original Source: borkena.com
