Ethiopia has formally warned Eritrea to withdraw its troops from what Addis Ababa says is Ethiopian territory, accusing Asmara of violating its sovereignty and backing armed groups along the border, while offering dialogue if the troops pull back.
In a letter sent on January 30, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gideon Timothy told his Eritrean counterpart Osman Salah that Eritrean forces have occupied Ethiopia’s northeastern territory “for a long time,” undermining Ethiopia’s territorial integrity. The letter, confirmed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, calls the actions a “complete invasion” and a breach of international law.
Ethiopia accused Eritrea of providing direct support to unnamed armed groups operating along the border, allegations that in the past have included links to the TPLF and Fano militias. It also warned that recent military movements show Eritrea has chosen “a path of destruction,” including joint operations with rebel groups on Ethiopia’s northwest frontier.
Addis Ababa said it is ready to enter sincere negotiations — including talks on maritime services and access to the port of Assab — if Eritrea immediately withdraws its troops and ends cooperation with rebel forces. The letter stressed that while Ethiopia is committed to peaceful dialogue after decades of conflict, Eritrea’s current actions are “unacceptable under any circumstances.”
So far, Eritrea has not officially responded. Ethiopia has also raised the issue with the United Nations, warning that Eritrean troop deployments along the border continue to fuel instability and serious human rights concerns.
