Tensions Rise: Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of War Preparations

Tue Oct 21 2025 04:45:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ethiopia has raised alarms over Eritrea's alleged military collusion with opposition forces, warning of potential conflict as both nations vie for control of the Red Sea.

In a recent escalation of tensions, Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of preparing for war, allegedly collaborating with opposition groups to destabilize the country. Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos sent a letter to the UN, claiming that Eritrea and a hardline faction of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) are mobilizing armed groups in Ethiopia's Amhara region. The relationship between the two neighbors, fraught since their border war from 1998 to 2000, is worsening as Ethiopia seeks renewed access to the Red Sea, which Eritrea controlled after its independence in 1993. Eritrea has yet to respond to the accusations.

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of preparing to wage war against it in collusion with an opposition grouping, in the latest sign of escalating tensions between the two neighbours over control of the Red Sea.

The accusation came through a letter sent by Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos to UN chief Antonio Guterres, warning that the collaboration had become 'more evident over the past few months'.

Despite not responding to the letter yet, Eritrea's relationship with Ethiopia seems increasingly strained.

After taking control of the Red Sea coastline at independence in 1993, Eritrea is worried about Ethiopia rallying support to regain access to it.

If Gedion's allegations are accurate, it suggests that Eritrea is engaging in a proxy war against Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to prevent military action aimed at seizing ports along the Red Sea.

The conflict between the two nations dates back to a border war from 1998 to 2000, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. They had reconciled following Abiy's election in 2018, but relations have deteriorated over access to the sea.

In the letter, Gedion alleged that Eritrea and the TPLF's hardline faction were 'funding, mobilizing and directing armed groups' in Ethiopia's Amhara region, where militias known as Fano are in conflict with the federal government.

Gedion stated, 'The hardliner faction of the TPLF and the Eritrean government are actively preparing to wage war against Ethiopia.'

The letter has gained significant attention on social media among Ethiopian government supporters, although Ethiopia's foreign ministry has not yet confirmed its authenticity. The TPLF is causing additional tension in Ethiopia as it accuses Abiy's government of failing to fully implement a peace deal reached in 2022.

Conflict in the Amhara region has erupted, with the Fano militia growing more aggressive and rejecting disarmament, claiming they are defending their ethnic group.

The situation is tense as Ethiopia continues pushing for access to the Red Sea, with President Taye Atske Selassie describing these waters as vital for the country's existence.

In response, Eritrea's Information Minister criticized Ethiopia's obsession with the Red Sea as 'bizarre and mind-boggling'.