In a significant escalation of tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused Eritrean forces of committing mass killings during the Tigray war that lasted from 2020 until its conclusion in late 2022. This marks the first time Ahmed has publicly attributed such atrocities to Eritrean troops, who fought alongside Ethiopia against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
During a parliamentary address, Ahmed described horrific acts committed by Eritrean forces, particularly in the town of Axum, and noted acts of widespread looting and destruction in other regions, including Adwa and Adigrat. “When we entered Adwa, they looted factories and dismantled their parts, and the conflict escalated,” he stated, reflecting on the devastation experienced in these areas.
Historically, Ethiopia and Eritrea were allies during the Tigray conflict, a partnership that seemed improbable given their tumultuous past. The two nations had reconciled after a two-decade military standoff over a border dispute, a breakthrough that earned Abiy a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. However, the frayed relationship between the two countries has become increasingly evident in recent weeks.
Eritrea’s government quickly refuted Ahmed’s claims, with Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel labeling the accusations as “cheap and despicable lies” that do not warrant a serious response. Gebremeskel pointed out the irony in the accusations, noting that Abiy had previously issued praises and military decorations to Eritrean forces during and after the conflict.
The Tigray war wrought severe human suffering, resulting in an estimated 600,000 deaths. Numerous rights organizations have documented egregious war crimes and systemic human rights violations throughout the conflict, including the widespread use of sexual violence.
Despite a peace agreement, regional instability persists, with recent clashes reported in two areas of Tigray just last week. Moreover, the Ethiopian government has suspended flights to the region amid ongoing conflicts, although no official statement has been issued about the renewed hostilities.
Heightened tensions have also arisen as landlocked Ethiopia seeks access to ports along the Red Sea, further complicating an already fragile relationship between the two nations. As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful of the implications for regional stability.