Eritrea asks UN for help as tensions with Ethiopia rise
The United Nations warns of escalation as both countries accuse each other of military moves.
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Eritrea has asked the United Nations to take measures against Ethiopia, which Asmara says is preparing for war. Ethiopia says instead that it is acting in self-defence; independent confirmation of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is still lacking.
Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia have risen further after Eritrea asked the UN Security Council for deterrent measures. According to a letter seen by Reuters, Eritrea regards Ethiopia’s accusations as a declaration of war. Asmara denies that Eritrean troops have entered Ethiopian territory.
Ethiopia says it is taking measures in self-defence. Addis Ababa accuses Eritrea of sending troops to northern Ethiopia and occupying parts of the Tigray region. According to the Associated Press, Ethiopia calls the move a response to the alleged presence of Eritrean troops.
The United Nations did not confirm on Saturday that a new war had broken out, but did express serious concern about renewed fighting in Tigray, Afar and Amhara. Secretary-General António Guterres also warned of reports of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia and called on all parties to lay down their arms.
The area is especially vulnerable because of the war in Tigray between 2020 and 2022. That conflict ended with the Pretoria Agreement, but the agreement did not fully resolve the underlying tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Tigray region. Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea also remains a sensitive issue.
The coming days will have to show whether the military reports can be confirmed and whether diplomatic channels remain open. For now, both governments are presenting opposing accounts of events. The UN is seeking to promote a return to talks under the Pretoria Agreement, but has not announced its own observers on the ground.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The UN reports renewed fighting in Tigray, Afar and Amhara.
- Ethiopia says it is acting in self-defence.
- Eritrea denies that it has sent troops to Ethiopia.
- The UN is calling for a return to talks under the Pretoria Agreement.
Left
Arguments The priority is protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access and pursuing international mediation. Military escalation and national security rhetoric must not cause another regional war.
Values Human rights, the international rule of law and the protection of civilians.
Consequences More diplomatic pressure and aid could limit escalation; looking away could lead to larger refugee flows and greater humanitarian harm.
Centre
Arguments The UN and regional organisations should first establish the facts, keep communication channels open and use the Pretoria Agreement as an institutional framework.
Values De-escalation, verification and stability.
Consequences A cautious approach may prevent miscalculation, but it may appear slow while the parties continue to exert military pressure.
Right
Arguments Ethiopia must be able to defend its territorial integrity and security, while Eritrea must be held accountable if it is in fact sending troops across the border.
Values National sovereignty, order and deterrence.
Consequences Credible military deterrence could prevent further border crossings, but strong language could reduce diplomatic room for manoeuvre.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core claims have been confirmed by the UN, AP and Reuters. Unconfirmed military reports are explicitly presented as allegations.
- confirmed Eritrea has asked the UN to take measures against Ethiopia. — Reuters reported this on the basis of a letter to the UN Security Council. source
- confirmed Ethiopia says it is acting in self-defence. — The Associated Press quotes Ethiopia’s statement to the UN. source
- confirmed The UN is warning of renewed fighting and escalation. — This appears in the Secretary-General’s statement. source
- confirmed The presence of Eritrean troops has not been independently confirmed. — The UN refers to reports; AP and Reuters report opposing statements. source
Editor's note
The UN warning, the opposing statements and Eritrea’s request are certain. The presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia has not been independently verified.Sources
- Ethiopia tells UN it is acting in self-defense against Eritrea — Associated Press
- UN Secretary-General's statement on Ethiopia — United Nations
- Eritrea asks UN to intervene in standoff with Ethiopia — Reuters via AOL
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „eritrea ethiopië”
- RTL Nieuws — „eritrea ethiopië”
- NOS — „eritrea ethiopië”