The Ethiopian government has distanced itself from former President Mulatu Teshome’s critical remarks on Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, which sparked a robust response from Eritrea. Teshome accused Afwerki of seeking conflict, while Eritrean officials dismissed the claims as unfounded provocations. The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears to be increasingly strained.
The Ethiopian government has clarified its stance regarding an opinion piece by former President Mulatu Teshome, which elicited a strong reaction from Eritrea. During a press briefing, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nebiat Getachew emphasized that Teshome’s views reflect his personal opinions influenced by his experiences in the region, rather than the government’s official position.
In his article published in Al Jazeera, Mulatu Teshome, who served as Ethiopia’s president from 2013 to 2018, criticized Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, asserting that he is intent on rekindling conflict in northern Ethiopia and called for global pressure to avert such potential catastrophes. He likened Isaias to a pyromaniac, stating, “It seems Isaias is not just drawn to conflict but he seeks it out and thrives on it, like a pyromaniac who can’t resist setting fires.”
The criticism provoked a rebuttal from Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebre Meskel, who dismissed the allegations as “a false-flag alarm and warmongering.” He characterized the former president’s remarks as stemming from “ill intent and provocations.” The Ethiopian government chose to remain silent until the latest statements that distanced itself from Teshome’s views.
As tensions with Ethiopia escalate, there are reports that the Eritrean government is contemplating the closure of its embassy in Addis Ababa, as well as encouraging its military veterans to engage in training programs. This reaction indicates the seriousness with which Eritrea views the situation and the potential for intensified diplomatic conflict.
In summary, the Ethiopian government has emphasized that former President Mulatu Teshome’s critical remarks about Eritrea do not represent its official stance. Teshome’s article has sparked significant backlash from Eritrea, hinting at deteriorating diplomatic relations. The Eritrean government’s recent actions signal a heightened state of alert in response to the ongoing tensions with Ethiopia.
Original Source: www.ethiopiaobserver.com
