Ethiopia has officially demanded that neighboring Eritrea withdraw its troops immediately from Ethiopian territory, accusing Asmara of a recent military incursion and supporting rebel groups along the northwestern border.

In a letter dated Saturday, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos warned his Eritrean counterpart that recent developments indicate a “path of further escalation.” He urged Eritrea to cease all collaboration with armed groups operating inside Ethiopia, describing the incursions as “acts of outright aggression” rather than mere provocations.

Despite the tense situation, Timothewos emphasized that the cycle of violence and mistrust could still be resolved through diplomatic engagement. Eritrea has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have historically been strained. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, and the two nations later fought a devastating border war from 1998 to 2000, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

Although the countries cooperated during the 2020–2022 Tigray conflict, tensions resurfaced after Eritrea was excluded from the subsequent peace accords, with Addis Ababa accusing Asmara of continuing to support insurgents on Ethiopian soil—claims that Eritrea denies.

This latest move underscores growing concerns over Horn of Africa stability and the risk of renewed cross-border clashes unless diplomatic solutions are pursued.