Ethiopia Sounds Alarm: Eritrea “Readying to Wage War”

Intermediate | October 18, 2025

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

Tensions Flare: Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of Preparing for War

A Letter to the UN

On October 8, 2025, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos sent a formal letter to the United Nations accusing Eritrea of colluding with a Tigray-based opposition group, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), to prepare for military action against Ethiopia. (Al Jazeera) The document alleged that Eritrea and the TPLF were financing and mobilizing armed groups in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, attempting to destabilize the country from within. (Africa News)

A Growing Divide

Eritrea has not issued an official response, and independent confirmation of Ethiopia’s claims remains difficult. However, regional analysts warn that the accusation could deepen mistrust and increase tensions in one of Africa’s most volatile regions. The Ethiopia accuses Eritrea dispute is rapidly becoming one of the most pressing diplomatic concerns in the Horn of Africa.

Why Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of “Waging War”

A History of Rivalry

Ethiopia and Eritrea’s relationship has long been marked by suspicion and rivalry. Eritrea gained independence in 1993 after decades of struggle, but the border war that followed between 1998 and 2000 left lasting scars. Ethiopia remains landlocked, while Eritrea’s control of Red Sea ports continues to provide it with strategic leverage. (Africa News)

The TPLF Connection

The latest accusation brings the TPLF back into focus. Once the dominant political force in Ethiopia, the group lost power after years of conflict in Tigray but still wields influence. (The Africa Report) Addis Ababa sees any cooperation between Eritrea and the TPLF as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. Ethiopian officials argue that the Ethiopia accuses Eritrea situation reveals a pattern of proxy engagement designed to destabilize Ethiopia’s borders.

The Proxy Warfare Allegation

Rather than accusing Eritrea of an open invasion, Ethiopian officials describe what they believe is a campaign of proxy warfare—a strategy of arming and coordinating local militias to fight indirectly. (Africa News) If proven true, the claims suggest Eritrea is pursuing influence without direct confrontation, a move that could further destabilize Ethiopia’s northern regions.

Risks and Stakes Ahead

Humanitarian and Regional Impact

Analysts warn that the stakes could not be higher for both nations and the broader Horn of Africa. If tensions continue to rise, the region risks sliding into another full-scale war, drawing in neighboring countries and jeopardizing fragile trade routes. The humanitarian consequences could also be severe, with the already vulnerable populations in Amhara and Tigray facing new waves of displacement.

Diplomatic Fallout and Verification

Diplomatic relations are under pressure as well. A prolonged standoff could erode Ethiopia’s trust with international partners and complicate aid efforts. Observers also note that the situation remains difficult to verify independently, since most information originates from government communications and statements. This lack of transparency makes it hard for outside actors to assess whether war is imminent or merely rhetoric.

📚 Vocabulary

Collude (verb) – to secretly cooperate, often in wrongdoing.
Example: Ethiopia claims Eritrea colluded with TPLF forces.
Mobilize (verb) – to prepare and organize troops or resources for action.
Example: According to the letter, Eritrea is mobilizing armed groups.
Proxy warfare (noun) – fighting through intermediaries rather than directly.
Example: Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of engaging in proxy warfare via the TPLF.
Accusation (noun) – a claim of wrongdoing.
Example: The Ethiopian government made an accusation against Eritrea.
Strategic (adjective) – important in achieving a goal, often in military or political terms.
Example: Red Sea access is strategic for Ethiopia.
Fragile (adjective) – easily broken or delicate.
Example: Regional politics here are fragile and sensitive.
Escalation (noun) – a rapid increase in intensity or severity.
Example: The region fears an escalation of conflict.
Integrity (noun) – the quality of being whole or undivided.
Example: Ethiopia sees Eritrea’s actions as a threat to its territorial integrity.
Diplomatic (adjective) – relating to international relations.
Example: The letter was addressed to the UN as a diplomatic gesture.
Verification (noun) – checking or confirming truth.
Example: Independent verification of the claims is difficult.

Questions for Discussion (About This Article)

Why would Ethiopia choose to make its accusations via a UN letter rather than public media?
What advantages do proxy warfare tactics offer over direct conflict?
How might Eritrea respond to avoid total war but still push its interests?
Who else in the region might be affected if the situation escalates?
How would you evaluate evidence in a conflict like this, where access and verification are limited?

Questions About the Topic

Can state conflicts be fought through intermediaries (proxies) in today’s world?
What role should international organizations like the UN play when countries accuse each other of war preparations?
How important is access to the sea for landlocked countries in terms of security and economy?
In what ways does history influence current conflicts, especially between neighbors?
If you were a diplomat mediating this dispute, what steps would you propose first?

Related Idiom

“Fighting in the shadows” — using indirect, hidden means (like proxies) to press a cause while avoiding open war.
In this case, Ethiopia claims Eritrea is “fighting in the shadows”—using alliances and covert support.

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This article was inspired by: Al Jazeera (aljazeera.com), Africa News (africanews.com), and The Africa Report (theafricareport.com).