Tigray Crisis Threatens to Ignite New Eritrean-Ethiopian War, Pushing Horn of Africa into Turmoil
The fragile peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea faces a new threat as tensions escalate in the Tigray region, raising fears of another devastating war that could destabilize the entire Horn of Africa. The conflict, which initially erupted in 2020 between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), saw Eritrea intervene militarily in support of Ethiopia’s federal forces. While a peace deal was signed in November 2022, the situation remains volatile, with new disputes emerging.
Recent reports indicate growing hostility between Tigray and Eritrea, with Tigrayan leaders accusing Eritrean forces of occupying parts of their territory. Allegations of cross-border raids and military build-ups have fueled concerns that the fragile ceasefire could collapse, reigniting a broader conflict. Eritrea, a longtime adversary of the TPLF, remains deeply involved in Ethiopian affairs, and any escalation could drag both nations into direct confrontation.
A renewed war would have catastrophic consequences. The Horn of Africa is already grappling with political instability, economic hardships, and climate-induced food shortages. Another full-scale war could lead to mass displacement, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, increased violence may attract foreign interventions, complicating regional dynamics.
International actors, including the African Union and the United Nations, have called for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further bloodshed. However, with tensions simmering and nationalist sentiments on the rise, the risk of a new Eritrean-Ethiopian war remains dangerously high. If not addressed swiftly, the crisis could plunge the entire region into chaos.
