Eritrea and Ethiopia are increasing their military preparations amid rising tensions along their shared Tigray border, with both nations accusing each other of aggression. Ethiopia, which is landlocked, expresses a need for access to the Red Sea, a demand seen by Eritrea as a provocative gesture. The situation has been worsening with accusations from Ethiopia that Eritrea is supplying ammunition to rebels in the Amhara region, an assertion that Eritrea denies, claiming it is a scapegoat for Ethiopian aggression. This back-and-forth accusation intensifies fears of an armed conflict between the two countries that share a complex and hostile history.

The historical context of the Eritrea-Ethiopia relationship is fraught with conflict, particularly highlighted by the war fought from 1998 to 2000 and a significant conflict in Tigray from 2020 to 2022. The recent escalation of violence in the Tigray region suggests a dangerous resurgence of hostilities might be on the horizon. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki stated that Ethiopia has declared war, while Ethiopian officials insist they are seeking dialogue, showcasing a significant communication breakdown and profound distrust on both sides.

As the situation develops, the deployment of Eritrean troops within Tigray adds to the instability of the region. The deep-rooted mistrust between Eritrea and Ethiopia creates a volatile environment where military actions and reciprocal accusations could easily spiral into a renewed conflict with devastating consequences for both nations and the region as a whole.