The Eritrean government has accused Ethiopia of escalating tensions in what its officials describe as a “long-brewing war agenda”.
A press release from Asmara on June 26, 2025, alleges the Ethiopian government is engaging in “a diplomatic campaign to falsely accuse Eritrea of provocations while preparing for conflict.”
Earlier in the week, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed a letter to the UN Secretary-General and multiple heads of state, accusing Eritrea of repeated provocations and violations of Ethiopia’s territorial sovereignty.
Addis Ababa called on the international community to take note, and warned that Eritrea’s actions could destabilize the Horn of Africa and worsen the region’s already fragile peace and security.
“These hostile acts constitute a flagrant violation of international law and further exacerbate the fragile peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa,” reads the letter.
It added that Ethiopia remains committed to peace and stability in the region and seeks only friendly relations with Eritrea.
On the other hand, Asmara contends that Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has, over the past two years, made public statements about acquiring Eritrean ports, including remarks that it would do so “legally if possible and militarily if necessary.”
The Eritrean government also claims that Ethiopia has increased weapons purchases and engaged in acts of subversion to fulfill “unlawful ambitions” to annex its maritime territory.
Meanwhile, during the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 59th session last week, concerns about human rights violations in Eritrea were raised as a central discussion point. Despite this, the Eritrean government subsequently urged the Council to terminate the mandate of Special Rapporteur Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker on Eritrea, calling it a “flawed process”.
During the session, Babiker presented a detailed report documenting ongoing violations, including indefinite national service that amounts to forced labor, widespread arbitrary detentions, and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Amnesty International has called on the Human Rights Council to vote in favor of extending the Special Rapporteur’s mandate in Eritrea.
In a statement issued on June 26, 2025, the watchdog stated that the Special Rapporteur’s work in Eritrea remains incomplete.
“Member states of the UN Human Rights Council must vote to extend the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and address the ongoing human rights violations as well as the lack of accountability for ongoing and past abuses,” the statement read.
Describing Eritrea’s request as a cynical attempt to undermine the UN human rights system, Amnesty urged HRC member states to reject the proposal, calling this an important stand to support the body’s mechanisms.
