All articles tagged with #eritrea
Fears of a renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia are prompting displacement from Tigray, where residents face shortages and rising prices as the Pretoria peace deal frays amid rising tensions with Eritrea and Amhara ahead of June elections, threatening broader regional stability if fighting resumes.
Tigray in northern Ethiopia is bracing for a potential return to war as tensions with the federal government and Eritrea escalate, threatening the fragile peace secured in 2022; accusations of violations by both sides, coupled with military mobilization and drone strikes, have disrupted tourism, farming, and travel, underscoring regional instability and prompting calls for international mediation and restraint.
Ethiopia has demanded Eritrea withdraw troops it says are inside Ethiopian territory, accusing Asmara of outright aggression and of conducting joint maneuvers with rebel groups on Ethiopia’s frontiers. Addis Ababa linked the standoff to talks over access to the sea via the port of Assab and warned that a troop withdrawal could pave the way for negotiations, noting a long history of border clashes and recent shifts during the Tigray conflict. Eritrea has denied crossing the border, as tensions remain high.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed publicly accused Eritrean forces of massacres during the Tigray war, saying Eritrean troops killed civilians in Aksum and caused destruction in several towns, a sharp reversal from earlier denials and a sign of deteriorating ties with Eritrea as the war ended in 2022 under a Pretoria-brokered deal Eritrea did not sign; the conflict is estimated to have claimed up to about 600,000 lives, and regional tensions persist as flights to Tigray resume.
A comprehensive report documents systematic sexual violence, including mass rape and forced pregnancy, committed by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces in Tigray, amounting to crimes against humanity, with ongoing violence and impunity hindering justice and recovery.
Warring African migrant groups from Eritrea clashed in the Netherlands, resulting in the torching of police cars and injuries to police officers and firefighters. The violence erupted when a group opposing the Eritrean government attacked a venue where a pro-government group was meeting, leading to widespread rioting and destruction. This incident adds to a series of violent clashes involving Eritrean migrants in various countries over the past year.
Rioting erupted between two rival groups of Eritreans in the Netherlands, resulting in the torching of police cars and a bus, with tear gas used by officers to quell the unrest. The clash reflects deep divisions within the Eritrean diaspora between those loyal to the government and those who strongly oppose it, with similar outbreaks of violence occurring at Eritrean events in Europe in recent months.
Following the controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, Somalia seeks support from Eritrea and Egypt, nullifying the deal and emphasizing its commitment to territorial integrity. The agreement, which grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through Somaliland's port of Berbera, has sparked internal and regional tensions. Somaliland's defense minister resigned in protest, while Somalia's president visited Eritrea and met with an Egyptian delegation to strengthen ties and discuss regional developments. The US, EU, and AU have urged dialogue to resolve the disputes, as military leaders from Ethiopia and Somaliland met to discuss cooperation just a week after the deal.
Concerns are rising over the possibility of a new war between Ethiopia and Eritrea as Ethiopia seeks access to the port of Assab on the Red Sea. Ethiopia's access to the port has been limited since a border war between the two countries in 1998. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed his country's desire for a port of its own, initially suggesting the use of force if necessary, but later emphasizing a peaceful resolution. Some analysts believe Abiy's focus on the port issue is a diversionary tactic to divert attention from internal economic and military crises. Eritrea has condemned Abiy's comments, and experts warn that pursuing port access through force could lead to further conflict in the region.
A memorial was held in Lampedusa to remember the 368 migrants, mostly from Eritrea, who died in a shipwreck ten years ago while trying to reach Europe from Libya. The Lampedusa Coastguard organized a special trip to the disaster site for relatives and survivors, with horns and sirens sounding in memory of the victims. The day began with a candlelit vigil at the exact time the ship sank, and emotional stories of loss were shared by survivors and family members.
Over 200 Eritrean opposition supporters were arrested in Stuttgart, Germany, after violent clashes with police during a cultural festival organized by supporters of the Eritrean regime. The violence involved the use of weapons such as bats, nails, metal rods, bottles, and stones, resulting in six officers being hospitalized. The incident follows a series of similar protests in different countries, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding Eritrea's repressive government.
Amnesty International has accused the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) of committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The alleged abuses, which occurred between October 2022 and January 2023, include rape, sexual enslavement, extrajudicial executions, and deprivation of basic necessities. The report focuses on the Kokob Tsibah and Mariam Shewito districts, which were under EDF control until January 19, 2023. Amnesty International calls for accountability and states that the communities in these districts have been irreversibly affected by the violations.
Riots erupted in South Tel Aviv as Eritrean protesters clashed with pro-government supporters and police during an event organized by the Eritrean Embassy. Protesters accuse the embassy of monitoring and tracking refugees, while ongoing disputes over refugee and asylum status with the Israeli government have also fueled tensions. The Eritrean regime, often referred to as the "North Korea of Africa," has a history of human rights abuses, including mandatory indefinite conscription and repression of political opponents. Reports have emerged of the embassy sending spies disguised as refugees to extort money from Eritrean asylum seekers.
Festivals held by Eritrea's diaspora in Europe and North America have been attacked by exiles who criticize the repressive government and accuse it of being the "North Korea of Africa." The violence highlights the bitter divide between supporters of the government and exiles who fear for their loved ones back home. Eritrea's government dismisses the exiles as "asylum scum" and accuses the West of trying to weaken the country. Some Eritreans and state-backed media have blamed the attacks on ethnic Tigrayans from northern Ethiopia, but advocates deny involvement. The government openly encourages diaspora members to contribute funds, but citizens living overseas must pay a 2% tax on income earned abroad to obtain services. Eritrea is one of the world's poorest and most secretive countries, with widespread poverty and allegations of human rights abuses.
More than 50 people were injured and dozens detained in Stockholm after protesters against the Eritrean government stormed an event organized by regime supporters. The anti-government demonstrators broke through a police barrier, setting fire to booths and tearing down tents. Police detained around a hundred people and opened an investigation into violent rioting and arson. At least 52 people required medical attention, with 15 taken to the hospital. Sweden is home to a large Eritrean community, and the festival has been criticized for allegedly supporting the Eritrean government.