Eritrean soldiers have crossed into northern Ethiopia, moving towards the town of Adigrat, where clashes are ongoing between national army troops and regional forces. This escalation follows fighting that erupted two weeks ago, stemming from rising tensions between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the party controlling Tigray. Both sides accuse each other of violating a 2022 peace deal that ended a two-year civil war.
Background of the Conflict
The recent unrest is linked to the formation of a new alliance of armed groups in Ethiopia, which includes the TPLF. Over the weekend, TPLF forces withdrew from Mekelle, Tigray's main city, which is now under army control. Eritrea was a crucial ally of Ethiopia during the previous conflict, fighting against the TPLF, which resulted in significant humanitarian crises, including famine in the Tigray region. However, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have soured, particularly due to the Ethiopian Prime Minister's ambitions regarding Eritrea's Red Sea ports.
Recent Developments
Last week, diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed as fighting resumed, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. Reports indicate that Eritrean troops have moved from the border town of Zalambessa towards central Tigray, with convoys seen passing through Adigrat and heading towards Edaga Hamus, a town located between Adigrat and Mekelle.
