ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia has formally demanded that Eritrea withdraw its forces from Ethiopian territory, accusing its neighbour of violating sovereignty and supporting rebel groups along their shared border.
The demand was made in a letter from Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos Hessebon, to Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed. In the letter, Addis Ababa alleges repeated incursions by Eritrean troops and joint military activities with armed groups hostile to the Ethiopian government.
“The incursion of Eritrean troops further into Ethiopian territory in our north-eastern borders and the joint military manoeuvres being carried out by Eritrean forces with rebel groups in our north-western borders are not just provocations but acts of outright aggression,” the letter states.
Ethiopia said it had formally requested Eritrea to immediately withdraw its troops and cease all forms of collaboration with rebel groups operating inside Ethiopian territory.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been volatile since Eritrea gained independence in the early 1990s. A brutal border war between 1998 and 2000 killed tens of thousands and entrenched deep mistrust between the two states.
Although relations improved following the signing of a peace agreement in 2018, tensions have resurfaced in recent years, driven by unresolved border issues, regional influence, and Eritrea’s role in conflicts in northern Ethiopia.
According to Addis Ababa, the alleged troop movements and joint military exercises represent a serious escalation. The Ethiopian government accused Eritrea of providing material support, training, and operational assistance to militant groups seeking to destabilise the country.
“For quite a considerable period, Eritrean forces have occupied Ethiopian territory along our common border and the Government of Eritrea has been providing direct material assistance and support for various militant groups in Ethiopia,” the letter says.
“We have been calling for this violation of our territorial integrity and sovereignty to be rectified. These repeated calls have gone unheeded.”
Despite the strong language, Ethiopia said it remains open to dialogue and framed its demands as part of a broader effort to stabilise relations and address long-standing regional disputes.
The government said it was willing to explore cooperation on contentious issues, including access to maritime routes, if Eritrea engages constructively.
“We are committed to exploring a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation that could usher in a new era of peace and prosperity between the populations of our two countries, who share so much in common,” the letter states.
“We hope that you will accept this letter in the spirit in which it was intended — as a goodwill gesture urging you to choose peace and prosperity over conflict and chaos for our people and our region.”
