Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed Issues Strong Warning to Eritrea Amid Rising Tensions

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has issued a stern warning to Eritrea, stating that any further attempts by the Eritrean government to destabilize Ethiopia will be met with severe consequences. Speaking in a recent interview with the state-run Ethiopian News Agency, Ahmed emphasized that such efforts will be the “last” if they continue.

The Prime Minister’s comments come at a time of escalating tensions between the two countries, particularly following the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. In his remarks, he pointed to the complexities of the Eritrean-Ethiopian relationship, referring to the Eritrean government as “Shaebia,” a term that evokes a contentious past.

Historical Context of Eritrean Involvement

According to Ahmed, Eritrean forces exploited a security vacuum that emerged after Ethiopia’s military engagement with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in November 2020. He noted that initially, some Eritrean civilians aided Ethiopian troops during their retreat, an experience he acknowledged with gratitude. However, he was quick to condemn the subsequent violent actions taken by these forces against Ethiopian civilians.

“While we thank them for that support, we also condemn the malevolent acts they committed,” Ahmed stated, stressing his commitment to distinguishing between good and bad actions on the part of Eritrean actors.

Atrocities in Tigray

During the interview, Ahmed documented widespread abuses allegedly committed by Eritrean troops in Tigray. These include civilian killings and rampant destruction of property. He recalled tragic events in the town of Axum, where hundreds of young lives were lost over a span of just two days, and emphasized the extensive damage inflicted on communities across cities like Adwa, Adigrat, and Shire.

“We tactically prevented them from entering Mekelle because they caused destruction in every city they occupied,” he said, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by Eritrean forces despite past military interventions.

A Critique of Eritrea’s Governance

In a pointed critique of Eritrea’s political landscape, Ahmed expressed concern over the lack of development and governance that has essentially stifled the nation’s potential. “The Eritrean people are hardworking and creative, but they have not found a government that matches their potential,” he said. He highlighted the decline of important institutions, such as the closure of Asmara University and the failure of many factories that once operated at independence.

This lack of governance has led to mass migration as Eritreans seek refuge in countries like Ethiopia and its neighbors. Ahmed alleged that Eritrean authorities infiltrate refugee communities to monitor and intimidate individuals fleeing the oppressive regime.

“We believe Eritreans should have the same rights to work and thrive in Ethiopia as Ethiopians do,” he added, stressing the complexities of navigating the presence of both civilians and regime operatives.

Deteriorating Relations

Ahmed’s statements come against a backdrop of increasingly strained relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara. Following a rapprochement in 2018 that ended two decades of hostility, tensions have resurfaced following the November 2022 cessation of hostilities agreement, which aimed at definitively ending the Tigray war.

Recent developments have only intensified these tensions. In October 2023, during a televised address, Ahmed labeled unrestricted access to the Red Sea as an “existential issue” for Ethiopia, igniting further diplomatic friction between the two nations.

Acknowledgment of Past Atrocities

While addressing the situation, Ahmed acknowledged that crimes committed by Eritrean forces during the Tigray conflict have been well-documented by various organizations, including the United Nations. After initially denying Eritrean involvement, Ethiopian authorities admitted in May 2021 to the massacre of civilians in Axum and confirmed the participation of Eritrean troops.

A June 2025 report revealed that Eritrea’s leadership had meticulously planned for the war, coordinating extensive looting operations alongside grave human rights violations.

International Findings and Accountability

Global scrutiny of the conflict has implicated not only Eritrean forces but also Ethiopian military units. The U.S. Department of State’s 2022 Human Rights Report noted that both Eritrean and Ethiopian forces committed crimes against humanity in Tigray, with both sides being responsible for various atrocities.

As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the Eritrean government has defended its actions, claiming its involvement came at Ethiopia’s request.

In closing, Prime Minister Ahmed reiterated the gravity of the situation, stating, “If they find the capacity, they will not hesitate to destabilize the country. But we know them well; we will not allow them another chance.” His warnings indicate a readiness to address any further violations with decisive action.

— Reported by Nexio News