04.03.2026 20:04
As the world turns its attention to the Middle East following the attacks by the US and Israel and Iran's retaliations, tensions are also rising in Africa. Speaking about the human rights violations and looting committed by Eritrean forces after entering the Tigray region, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated, "We know them well. We will not give them the opportunity to harm the Ethiopian people again. If they make an attempt, I believe it will be their last attempt."
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made statements regarding the human rights violations and looting committed by Eritrean forces after they entered the Tigray region.
"WE STARTED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS BUT WERE MET WITH EVIL" Ahmed stated that during the clashes between the Ethiopian army and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Eritrean forces committed numerous inhumane acts in the region, saying, "We started with good intentions but were met with evil." He expressed appreciation for the initial support provided by the Eritrean army in the war with Tigray, stating that this support could not cover up the evils committed later.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Sharing details about the crimes committed by Eritrean soldiers in various cities of Tigray, Ahmed emphasized that the government was in conflict with Tigray forces at that time and therefore could not defend itself against external interventions. He stated that the Eritrean government did not prioritize development and peaceful power transfer, saying, "We know them well. We will not give them the opportunity to harm the Ethiopian people again. I believe that if they make an attempt, it will be their last attempt."
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN TENSE FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Salih on February 7. In the letter, it was claimed that Eritrean forces had long been present in Ethiopian territory and provided material support to armed groups. The Addis Ababa administration also described the joint military activities conducted in border areas as "open acts of aggression."
The letter called for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean soldiers from Ethiopian territory and the cessation of all cooperation with armed groups. Relations between the two countries have been strained intermittently since the border war between 1998-2000, and security concerns along the border continue.