Ethiopian Army Reclaims Zalambessa as Conflict With Eritrea Escalates
The Ethiopian government launched a counter-offensive against Tigrayan rebels and accused Eritrea of invading its territory, prompting Eritrea to seek UN Security Council sanctions.
Renewed fighting between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has threatened to unravel the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement. On Tuesday, government troops advanced to the border town of Zalambessa, reclaiming territory from a TPLF-led rebel alliance that had reignited the conflict last month.
The internal war has expanded into a diplomatic and military crisis with Eritrea. Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting the TPLF and advancing troops up to 60 km into Ethiopian territory. Eritrea denied these incursions, characterizing the accusations as a "declaration of war." In response, the Eritrean government petitioned the UN Security Council to implement deterrent measures against Ethiopia under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
Regional tensions are further strained by Ethiopia's pursuit of maritime access via the port of Assab, which Eritrea rejects as a threat to its sovereignty. While the United Arab Emirates has publicly backed Ethiopia's territorial integrity and condemned TPLF attacks, Ethiopia's army chief has accused Egypt and Sudan of supporting armed groups. Egypt's Foreign Ministry has rejected these allegations. Saudi Arabia has remained publicly silent despite its history of mediating between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
