Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has issued a warning to neighbouring Ethiopia, cautioning against the possibility of renewed conflict as tensions escalate in the Horn of Africa.
Reports indicate that Afwerki’s cautions come at a time where both countries are showing interest in securing access to a seaport, a longstanding strategic objective for the landlocked country.
Despite Ethiopia’s larger population, the Eritrea President asserted his firm stance against any form of intimidation. President Afwerki warned that Eritrea would not be easily overpowered by Ethiopia’s far larger population, estimated at 130 million, compared to Eritrea’s 3.5 million. The Eritrean leader emphasized his country’s readiness to defend itself if necessary.
While there is currently no clear sign of imminent military action, observers note that the region’s volatile history and unresolved disputes make the situation highly sensitive. International attention is focused on preventing a repeat of past violence and promoting dialogue between the two sides.
Ethiopia and Eritrea have been maintaining a rather fragile relationship since Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A bloody border war from 1998 to 2000 left tens of thousands dead, and although a peace agreement was signed in 2018, mistrust between the nations has persisted.
