The Ethiopian government disavowed former President Mulatu Teshome’s claims that Eritrea uses the TPLF to incite regional conflict. Following Mulatu’s allegations in an Al Jazeera op-ed, Eritrea accused Ethiopia of warmongering. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Mulatu expressed personal opinions, not the state’s. Recently, military mobilization changes in Eritrea raise concerns of potential conflict between the countries.
The Ethiopian government recently distanced itself from former President Mulatu Teshome’s assertions that Eritrea is utilizing the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to incite conflict in the region. In an op-ed published on Al Jazeera, Mr. Teshome suggested that the Eritrean regime poses a broader threat beyond the Horn of Africa, which he contended must be addressed urgently. He characterized warfare as a business for Eritrea, prompting significant response from various stakeholders.
This claim prompted an official response from Eritrea, with Minister of Information Yemane Gebremeskel accusing Ethiopia of inciting conflict. Notably, Eritrea usually limits its replies to severe accusations; hence, this reaction underscored the high stakes involved. However, the Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified that Mulatu’s statements reflected his personal views and not the official stance of the government.
During a press conference, spokesperson Nebiyu Getachew emphasized that Ethiopia possesses multiple former presidents, indirectly contrasting this with Eritrea’s singular leadership under President Isaias Afwerki. Such remarks may suggest a lack of pluralism in Eritrea’s political structure. At present, Eritrea has not responded to Ethiopia’s recent clarifications regarding Mr. Teshome’s article.
Emerging reports indicated that Eritrea had shifted its military mobilization strategy, which now includes former soldiers aged 60. Furthermore, a travel restriction aimed at individuals under 50 years of age has been reportedly enforced, prompting skepticism from some observers about the authenticity of these reports. A pro-Eritrean activist in Calgary disputed the claims, preferring information from Ethiopian state media over that of BBC Amharic.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears to be rapidly deteriorating, raising concerns of potential military conflicts between the two nations. The international community remains watchful over these developments, reflecting the enduring instability in the region.
In summary, the Ethiopian government has sought to clarify its position regarding the allegations made by former President Mulatu Teshome, distancing itself from his claims about Eritrea’s military strategies and intentions. The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea is increasingly strained, with concerns mounting over the possibility of renewed conflict. Observations of military movements in Eritrea complicate the situation further, warranting close attention from analysts and stakeholders in the region.
Original Source: borkena.com
