Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki Warns Ethiopia Against Escalating Toward War

 In a stark and direct statement, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has issued a warning to neighboring Ethiopia, cautioning against actions that could lead to a renewed outbreak of war in the Horn of Africa. His comments come amid rising tensions and growing political instability in the region, prompting concerns of a possible military confrontation.

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A History of Fragile Peace

Eritrea and Ethiopia have a long and tumultuous history marked by a bloody border war that lasted from 1998 to 2000 and left tens of thousands dead. Although a peace agreement was signed in 2018 — which earned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize — relations between the two countries have remained complex and, at times, strained.

President Afwerki, who has ruled Eritrea since its independence in 1993, has accused elements within the Ethiopian government of undermining regional stability and warned that any provocation or aggression would not be tolerated.

Regional Tensions on the Rise

Afwerki’s warning comes at a time when Ethiopia is grappling with internal conflicts, including ongoing unrest in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The government’s efforts to centralize power have been met with resistance from various ethnic and political factions, leading to fears of a broader civil conflict that could spill across borders.

Afwerki criticized what he called "reckless behavior" by certain Ethiopian leaders and emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and maintaining peace in the region. He also reiterated Eritrea’s readiness to defend itself and its interests if necessary.

Calls for Diplomacy

International observers have urged both countries to pursue dialogue and avoid actions that could destabilize the already fragile peace in the Horn of Africa. The African Union and United Nations have both called for restraint and constructive engagement between Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Analysts warn that another war between the two nations would have devastating consequences — not only for Eritrea and Ethiopia but also for neighboring countries and millions of civilians already affected by displacement, hunger, and economic hardship.

Conclusion

President Afwerki’s recent warning to Ethiopia serves as a grave reminder of the region’s volatile history and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions. As political tensions rise, the world watches closely, hoping that both nations will choose the path of peace over renewed conflict.