Eritrea is reportedly closing its embassy in Ethiopia due to rising tensions, with only a representative remaining. The Eritrean Minister of Information has accused Ethiopia of warmongering, while claims of national mobilization in Eritrea surface. Relations, strained since the Pretoria Agreement, are further complicated by accusations of military collaboration and conflict preparation from both governments.
Eritrea is reportedly closing its embassy in Ethiopia amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Sources indicate that staff members are being sent home, with only the Eritrean representative to the African Union remaining operational. At this time, Eritrea’s Ministry of Information has not confirmed or denied the embassy’s closure, and the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any statements regarding the situation.
Ethiopia retains its embassy in Asmara; however, it currently does not have an assigned ambassador. Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebreab, recently accused Ethiopia’s government of externalizing its problems and engaging in warmongering. His statements were a response to an op-ed by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who accused Eritrea of colluding with the TPLF faction to instigate conflict.
There are also claims from social media suggesting that Eritrea has initiated nationwide mobilization efforts, requiring men under 60 to prepare for potential conflict. The strain in relations follows the 2018 peace agreement that ended a prolonged stalemate, which saw the resumption of flights and reconnection of phone lines between the nations; both have since been suspended again.
The deteriorating relationship is reportedly tied to the Pretoria Agreement, concluded in November 2022, which halted hostilities between the TPLF and the Ethiopian federal government. Despite this, Eritrea refutes claims that this agreement influences its current tensions with Ethiopia.
Abiy Ahmed’s government has made allegations against Eritrea, accusing it of arming opposition forces and conspiring with TPLF factions for aggression against Ethiopia. Preparations by Abiy’s military leadership suggest potential conflict, despite some observers doubting his administration’s military capabilities to effectively engage with Eritrea.
In summary, the closure of Eritrea’s embassy in Ethiopia and the escalating accusations between the nations signal a significant downturn in relations. Accusations of warmongering and collaboration with opposition factions reflect the complex geopolitical tensions. The historical context of previous peace agreements and recent mobilization efforts raises concerns regarding the stability of the region.
Original Source: borkena.com
