Eritrea urges UN deterrence measures against Ethiopia

In the ongoing conflict over Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, both Ethiopia and Eritrea have turned to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for support. On Friday, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos asserted his country's right to employ self-defense measures against Eritrea.

He alleged that Eritrea has deployed ground troops and mechanized units recently and is providing financial and material aid to insurgent groups. In response, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh dismissed Ethiopia's claims on Saturday, stating, "Eritrea requests the UN Security Council to forcefully condemn Ethiopia's deplorable declaration of war against Eritrea... and take the requisite deterrent measures," urging the international body to invoke Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which permits measures ranging from sanctions to military action.

Saleh warned that Ethiopia's actions "could cause huge devastation to the peoples of both countries and destabilize the region." Tigrayan rebel factions recently united to challenge Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, swiftly launching significant attacks on government forces and seizing regional airports. Since then, Ethiopian forces have pushed back the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) militants and secured control over most of the region, including the capital, Mekelle.

The recent fighting, which violates a 2022 peace agreement, and this weekend's exchange of accusations further exacerbate the deepening rift between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which were once allies in a brutal 2020-2022 border war. Additionally, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to advocate for his country's need for access to the Red Sea, a demand he reiterated on Monday, which Eritrea views as a direct threat to its sovereignty.