Afwerki Warns of “Grave Consequences” in Red Sea Standoff
“Expansionist Aspirations,” Says Afwerki
KEYIR NEWS - In a rare televised appearance, President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea issued a stern warning to Ethiopia, urging its leadership to reconsider what he described as “reckless geopolitical adventurism” amidst rising tensions over access to the Red Sea.
Speaking on Eri-TV, the veteran strongman, who has ruled Eritrea since its independence in 1993, criticised Ethiopia’s perceived revival of expansionist aspirations, particularly its long-standing desire for a seaport. Though no formal declaration has been made, Addis Ababa’s repeated assertions of its need for access to the sea have fuelled alarm in Asmara.
“If Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed believes he can intimidate Eritrea through sheer numbers,” Afwerki said, “he gravely underestimates the resolve and preparedness of our people.” Eritrea, with a population of just 3.5 million compared to Ethiopia’s 130 million, has long positioned itself as a militarised fortress state.
Afwerki labelled Abiy’s approach a “diversionary tactic” aimed at deflecting domestic political discontent. “Ethiopia must solve its internal crisis before dragging its people into external confrontation,” he asserted.
The fraught relations between the two countries, once thawed by a 2018 peace accord, have soured once again following Eritrea’s contentious military role in the Tigray conflict (2020–2022), which left over 600,000 dead, according to AU estimates. Despite the Pretoria Agreement, Eritrean forces remain in parts of Tigray, compounding regional uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the Eritrean government dismissed a US-based NGO report accusing it of rearming and destabilising its neighbours. Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel instead pointed fingers at Ethiopia, blaming it for renewed tension.
As geopolitical pressure mounts in the Horn of Africa, both nations appear locked in a fragile standoff, with regional peace once again hanging in the balance.