Ethiopia warns of self-defence against what it calls Eritrea's full-scale incursion
Ethiopia told the UN Security Council it must defend itself after alleging Eritrean troops entered up to 60 km into its northern region.
Ethiopia submitted a letter to the UN Security Council asserting that it has no choice but to act in self-defence after what it termed an "all-out invasion" by Eritrean troops. The document said Eritrean forces, including mechanised units, had advanced as far as 60 km into Ethiopia's northern territory. Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos framed the presence of Eritrean soldiers as a blatant act of aggression, citing the recent severance of diplomatic ties between the neighbours.
Eritrea's information minister Yemane Gebremeskel rejected the allegation, claiming it was part of an Ethiopian scheme to justify a war of aggression. Witnesses have reported seeing Eritrean soldiers in the area, and Ethiopia has previously accused Eritrea of supporting rebel groups in Tigray, Amhara and Afar, accusations that Eritrea denies. The letter emphasizes Ethiopia's inherent right to protect its sovereignty under international law.
Why it matters
The dispute raises the risk of a broader armed conflict between two volatile Horn of Africa neighbours.
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Tigrayan forces capture Mekelle airport, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to halt regional flights
- Sep 23 Ethiopian Airlines posted a flight suspension following the reported airport seizure.
- Oct 2 A seven-group coalition headed by the TPLF has clashed with Ethiopia’s army in the north, while neighboring states and Gulf powers are accused of backing opposite sides.
- Oct 3 TPLF forces are withdrawing from Mekelle as federal troops advance toward the capital.
- Oct 4 A new coalition of seven anti‑government militias under the TPLF has been formed.
- Oct 5 Federal troops and pro‑government militias entered Mekelle following the TPLF’s announced withdrawal.
In this story
Related stories
9 in this thread