Ethiopia addressed the UN Security Council on Friday, asserting its right to self-defense against Eritrea under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos wrote that Eritrea has deployed infantry and mechanized units in recent weeks, supporting, financing, arming, and directing insurgent groups. The letter did not specify the measures Ethiopia is taking or provide evidence for its allegations.
Eritrea responded to Ethiopia's assertion, rejecting its justification of self-defense and accusing it of seeking to forcibly acquire sovereign access to the Red Sea. Eritrea's Foreign Minister Osman Saleh asked the UN Security Council to condemn Ethiopia's actions and take deterrent measures. The Eritrean government also announced the severance of diplomatic ties with Ethiopia after it expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been escalating, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterating that Ethiopia must have access to the Red Sea. Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry stated its commitment to dialogue with its neighbors. The two countries' armies previously fought together against the Tigray People's Liberation Front from 2020 to 2022. Researchers estimate that the previous war caused around 500,000 civilian deaths in Tigray due to violence, famine, and the collapse of health services.
Government-allied forces have reported advances in Tigray, with commander Ermiyas Ababu stating that they took control of Idaga Hamus and Abiy-Adi. Residents also reported the takeover of Idaga Hamus, while a business owner in Tembien confirmed that government-allied forces controlled Abiy-Adi. It remains unclear who held the towns before the reported government advance or whether Eritrean troops were involved in the fighting.
The situation on the ground is dire, with residents reporting hunger, closed banks, and a lack of medical care. Adigrat resident Hagos Woldegebriel stated that children and the elderly are suffering from hunger, and sick people are dying due to a lack of medical treatment. Displaced resident Teame Lemlem reported that banks were closed and food supplies were running out in the border town of Zalambesa.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data monitoring group reported that Eritrean troops crossed into Ethiopia at Zelambesa and came under drone attack while traveling toward Idaga Hamus. The group attributed the strikes to Ethiopia's military. The TPLF joined six other opposition groups in an alliance seeking to oust Abiy, and fighting escalated in September, undermining the 2022 peace agreement.
In Mekelle, federal police called for residents to help establish a new administration, and government offices remained shut. The US Embassy reported that telecommunications had resumed in Mekelle and much of Tigray, while mobile banking and electricity had partially resumed. All services remained subject to interruption.
Key points
- Ethiopia asserts its right to self-defense against Eritrea at the UN.
- Eritrea rejects Ethiopia's justification and accuses it of seeking access to the Red Sea.
- The conflict has resulted in dire humanitarian conditions in Tigray.
