Abiy Ahmed Warns Eritrea as Federal Forces Reach Border
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned Eritrea of severe consequences after Ethiopian federal forces captured Zalambessa and established a new administration in Tigray.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned Eritrea on Monday that it faces "severe consequences" if it continues to support rebels within Ethiopia. The warning follows a failed offensive by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which retreated after federal drone attacks. In response to the rebel withdrawal, the federal government installed a new administration in Tigray and appointed Shishay Amare as mayor of Mekelle, who announced plans for elections within six months.
Hostilities escalated as Ethiopian federal forces captured the northern town of Zalambessa, placing them directly on the Eritrean border. Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly sought sovereign access to the Red Sea via the ports of Massawa and Assab to reestablish the Ethiopian navy. While Ethiopia and Eritrea were allies during the 2020–2022 Tigray war, relations have collapsed. Ethiopia has invoked self-defense, claiming Eritrean troops crossed its border, while Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of preparing to seize the port of Assab.
Adding to the tension, Gebregziabher Beyene, commander of the pro-government Tigray Peace Force, alleged that TPLF leaders fled into Eritrea with military equipment and medicine. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel dismissed these claims as "lies," and TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa maintained that the leadership remains within Tigray. The United States government has urged both nations to respect territorial integrity to avoid a humanitarian crisis and the disruption of the Suez–Red Sea shipping corridor.
