Overview

• Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel called the Ethiopian claims a “lying masquerade” and an insult to Ethiopians and the international community.
• In a letter dated Wednesday, the TPLF denied the allegations, warned the federal government appears to be preparing a new war, and asked for mediation by the African Union and the wider international community.
• Ethiopia’s October 2 letter to UN chief Antonio Guterres alleged Eritrea and an “extremist faction” of the TPLF are financing, mobilizing and directing armed groups, particularly in the Amhara region.
• Addis Ababa described Eritrea as the “principal architect” of destabilizing activities aimed at fragmenting Ethiopia, a charge both Asmara and the TPLF now publicly dispute after initially not responding to queries.
• Ties have frayed since the 2020–2022 Tigray war despite a 2018 peace deal, with friction over Ethiopia’s push for legal sea access and Eritrea’s accusation that Addis Ababa covets the port of Assab.