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Abiy Ahmed warns Eritrea of severe consequences for supporting rebels
•2 min read•1 source
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has issued a stern warning to Eritrea, cautioning that the neighbouring nation will face "severe consequences" if it continues to provide support to internal rebel groups. The warning highlights a sharpening of regional tensions following a period of relative calm in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Abiy made the remarks on Monday, directly linking the threat to the security stability of the Ethiopian federal government.
The escalation in rhetoric follows a recent military offensive launched by rebels from the Tigray region against Ethiopian federal forces. While the rebels have reportedly retreated and lost control of several areas following the government's counter-actions, Addis Ababa remains highly sensitive to external interference. The federal government has frequently accused Eritrea of maintaining ties with various groups that seek to destabilise the Ethiopian state, particularly in the northern regions bordering the two countries.
This public warning signals a potential shift in the fragile relationship between Addis Ababa and Asmara. Although the two nations previously improved relations following a historic peace deal in 2018, the aftermath of the Tigray war and shifting allegiances have created new frictions. The Prime Minister's latest statement serves as a clear message that Ethiopia is prepared to take further action to protect its territorial integrity and political stability from foreign-backed insurgency.
