Ethiopia Tells UN It May Act in Self-Defence Amid Rising Tensions With Eritrea
GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia has informed the United Nations Security Council that it will take steps to defend itself, accusing Eritrea of sending troops into northern Ethiopia and occupying territory in the Tigray region.
In a letter to the Security Council, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos based his government’s position on Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognises a country’s right to self-defence following an armed attack. The letter did not specify what military action Ethiopia might take.
The Ethiopian government alleged that Eritrean troops had advanced tens of kilometres into its territory.
Meanwhile, footage recorded by the Associated Press in Adigrat, about 25 kilometres from the Eritrean border, showed Ethiopian troops and military vehicles entering the city.
Eritrea strongly denied Ethiopia’s allegations, arguing that Addis Ababa was attempting to create a pretext for a war aimed at securing sovereign access to the Red Sea.
The Eritrean government also called on the Security Council to condemn Ethiopia and take measures to prevent what it described as the Ethiopian government’s ambitions.
The exchange of diplomatic letters and reported military movements have heightened concerns that tensions between the two countries could develop into an armed confrontation. However, claims about the positions of Eritrean troops and the alleged occupation of territory have not been independently verified.
A direct conflict could have far-reaching consequences for security in the Horn of Africa. It could cause further displacement, disrupt regional trade routes and significantly alter the region’s security situation.
Somalia, which maintains diplomatic and security relations with Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt, could also face regional consequences affecting its foreign relations and security plans.
Attention is now focused on the two governments’ next steps and on diplomatic efforts to ease the growing tensions.