UN warns of renewed tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea
The United Nations expressed deep concern on Friday over a renewed climate of tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea, urging both nations to respect each other’s territorial integrity amid escalating accusations and a deteriorating political atmosphere in the Horn of Africa.
The warning comes on the 25th anniversary of the Algiers Agreement, which formally ended the devastating 1998–2000 border war that claimed an estimated 80,000 lives. Despite the peace accord, relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have remained fragile, with both governments now accusing the other of destabilizing activities.
Eritrea alleges that Ethiopia is seeking access to its strategic Red Sea port of Assab, while Ethiopian officials claim that Eritrea is “actively preparing for war” and supporting armed groups opposed to the federal government. These mutual accusations have revived fears of a possible new confrontation between the two neighbors.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called on both countries to recommit to long-term peace and the principles of sovereignty outlined in the 2000 agreement. The two nations had begun to mend ties in 2018 through a historic reconciliation effort led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role.
However, relations deteriorated again after the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, during which Eritrean forces intervened but were excluded from subsequent peace negotiations. The lingering mistrust has since reignited diplomatic tensions and raised international concern about regional stability.
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