Ammunition Seizure Claim
Ethiopian police announced the seizure of over 56,000 rounds of ammunition in the Amhara region, stating it was intended for the Fano rebels. Two suspects were arrested, and preliminary investigations reportedly confirmed the ammunition originated from the "Shabiya government," a term for Eritrea's ruling party.
Eritrea's Denial and Accusations
Eritrea's Information Minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, denied the allegations. He accused Ethiopia's Prosperity Party (PP), led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, of creating false pretenses to justify a potential conflict. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki also accused Abiy's party of declaring war on Eritrea, while asserting Eritrea's capability to defend itself.
Rising Tensions Over Sea Access
Tensions between the two Horn of Africa nations have recently escalated, partly due to Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's statements regarding the country's need for access to the Red Sea. Abiy declared this issue to be "existential" for Ethiopia in 2023 but stated Ethiopia seeks dialogue, not conflict. Eritrea, which seceded from Ethiopia in 1993, leaving Ethiopia landlocked, has dismissed these demands.
Historical Context
Ethiopia and Eritrea share a history marked by conflict, including a border war from 1998-2000. Relations normalized in 2018, and Eritrean troops supported the Ethiopian government during the 2020-2022 civil war in Ethiopia's Tigray region. However, Eritrea's exclusion from the subsequent peace deal in November 2022 led to renewed strain. Ethiopia is currently managing an insurgency by Fano rebels in its Amhara region.