Eritrea has requested assistance from the UN Security Council regarding the conflict in Tigray. Both Eritrea and Ethiopia have accused each other of contributing to regional instability.
In the ongoing struggle for control of Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, both countries have sought support from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). On Friday, Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos cited Article 51 of the UN Charter, stating that Ethiopia was exercising its right to self-defense against Eritrea.
Ethiopia alleges that Eritrea has deployed infantry and mechanized units recently and has been supporting, financing, arming, and directing insurgent groups. In response, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh rejected these accusations in a letter on Saturday, stating, "Eritrea requests the UN Security Council to forcefully condemn Ethiopia's deplorable declaration of war against Eritrea... and take the requisite deterrent measures," urging the invocation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which allows for actions ranging from sanctions to military intervention.
Saleh warned that Ethiopia's actions could lead to "huge devastation to the peoples of both countries and destabilize the region."
Last month, Tigrayan rebel groups announced their intention to oust Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, launching major attacks on Ethiopian government forces and capturing regional airports. Since then, Ethiopian troops have pushed back Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) militants and regained control of significant areas, including the capital, Mekelle.
The recent fighting has broken a 2022 peace agreement, and the exchange of accusations this weekend has further strained relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, who were previously allies during a border war from 2020 to 2022 against TPLF rebels.
These developments come as Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed reiterated his country's need for access to the Red Sea, a demand he emphasized on Monday, which Eritrea views as a direct threat to its sovereignty.