Ethiopia has formally accused neighboring Eritrea of preparing for war, a move that has sharply escalated tensions in the already fragile Horn of Africa. In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos alleged that Eritrea is actively collaborating with hardline factions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a group previously engaged in a devastating civil conflict with Ethiopia’s federal government. The letter claims that Eritrea and these TPLF elements are jointly mobilizing armed groups, funding destabilization efforts, and orchestrating activities aimed at undermining Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
This accusation marks the most serious diplomatic rupture between Ethiopia and Eritrea since the conclusion of the Tigray war in 2022. The Ethiopian government views the alleged alliance as a direct threat to national security and regional stability, particularly as it pursues renewed efforts to secure access to the Red Sea, a strategic ambition that has long been a point of contention. Eritrea, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and controls the Red Sea coastline, has not issued an official response to the claims. However, its silence has done little to ease growing concerns among regional observers and international stakeholders.
The timing of Ethiopia’s accusations is especially sensitive, given the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region. Analysts warn that the situation could spiral into a broader conflict, potentially involving proxy forces such as Amhara militias and other armed groups. The Horn of Africa, already burdened by humanitarian crises, fragile peace agreements, and economic instability, faces the risk of renewed violence that could destabilize multiple countries and derail development efforts.
Ethiopia’s appeal to the United Nations signals its intent to seek international support while preparing for potential escalations. The letter serves as both a warning and a call for diplomatic intervention, urging global powers to take the threat seriously and act to prevent further deterioration. As tensions mount, the fragile peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea hangs in the balance, and the prospect of another armed confrontation looms over a region that has yet to fully recover from its last war.