As Eritrea marks its 33rd independence anniversary, President Isaias Afeworki addressed his nation, warning that “hegemonic powers” are conspiring to instigate another conflict in the region. According to Ethiopian news outlets, he stated, “The interest of hegemonic powers in sparking another round of war has become public knowledge.” While details remain undisclosed, the president promised to reveal more information at a later, opportune time.
Assuring his citizens, President Afeworki emphasized the Eritrean Defense Force’s readiness for any situation and urged the Eritrean people not to worry.
Furthermore, he said that Eritrea will strengthen its cooperation with its neighbors and allies in the region.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in May 1993, culminating from a prolonged armed struggle spanning several decades. A devastating conflict erupted in 1998-2000 over a border dispute, pitting Eritrea against its former ally, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controlled the Ethiopian government at the time. The two-year war ended with a stalemate, followed by two decades of tense relations, characterized by neither peace nor war.
However, in 2018, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated a peace overture towards Eritrea, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Nevertheless, the rapprochement between Eritrea and Abiy Ahmed’s government proved short-lived, as Ethiopia soon expressed its desire to access the sea “by any means,” reviving tensions between the two nations.
Speculation is growing that Abiy Ahmed’s government may declare war on Eritrea, even though the Eritrean government has seemingly gained widespread approval in Ethiopia, especially among the Amhara population, who appear to be sympathetic to Eritrea’s cause.
