π Share this article Intensifying Verbal Conflict Involving Ethiopia and Eritrean Government Triggers Anxieties of Conflict Increasing worries have emerged over the possibility of warfare involving East African countries, Ethiopia and Eritrea, as aggressive discourse has intensified in recent weeks. Ethiopia and The Eritrean government cooperated in the internal conflict in northern Ethiopia but they have later become estranged. What Did Ethiopia Stated? Landlocked Ethiopia's demands for access to the sea coast through Eritrean territory has sparked a heated verbal exchange. The Ethiopian leader initially stated publicly in last year that his government's sea access was an crucial concern, remarks that Eritrea rejected. Diplomatic connections between the two countries have often been tense. After a decades-long struggle for freedom, Eritrea, which has a long maritime frontage, formally separated from Ethiopian rule in 1993, making it cut off from the sea. In 1998, a military clash broke out in which more than 100,000 people lost their lives. Latest Statements from Ethiopian Officials Prime Minister Abiy and army chief General Birhanu Jula have directly stated sovereignty of Eritrea's southern port of Assab β about 60km from the boundary - and suggested the intention to capture it through military means. In early September, the Prime Minister said Ethiopia's "error" of being denied passage to the sea as a result of Eritrea's separation would be "rectified tomorrow". The Ethiopian envoy to neighboring Kenya, retired Gen Bacha Debele, said that the port was "belonging to Ethiopia" and would be given back "usingζ¦ε". Eritrea's Answer to the Threats Despite persistent threats from Ethiopian officials, Eritrea's response has been limited to brief comments on online platforms from Communications Head Yemane G.. Officials have denied Ethiopia's demand for access to the Red Sea calling it "hazardous" and a "negative policy" of "territorial claims" β a strategy of retaking former lands. Government spokespeople cautioned on mid-September that attempts to validate "flagrant aggression" would have major implications for the Ethiopian government and its neighbouring countries and is a "boundary that should not be crossed|violated|breached". Military Activities on the Ground There have been few indications of large-scale army activities in the border areas between the neighboring states. Nevertheless, in Ethiopia, national TV has shown training completions of numerous trainees at multiple army bases. The leader of staff section of the military, General Hachalu, stated recently in an conversation that the army was in a "strong stance" as "many thousands of young people" were joining it, which he said was "a message to our enemies". Historical Background of the Conflict For decades from the late 19th century, Eritrea was administered by Italian colonisers. Following the end of Italian rule, it was then controlled by the British military before turning into a associated territory of Ethiopia. However in 1962 Emperor Haile Selassie I ended this agreement and the region became completely integrated into Ethiopia. A three-decade long armed struggle followed, concluding with military reversal in the early 1990s. Independence was then confirmed by Eritreans in a referendum in 1993. Temporarily in the 1990s, there were good relations between the governments in Ethiopia's capital and Asmara, but they disagreed over the specific demarcation of their common border, causing hostilities in 1998. Although this finished in a ceasefire agreement in 2000, it was incompletely executed, and the two nations stayed at loggerheads. This situation improved in 2018, when Abiy made approaches to Eritrea's leader President Isaias. The two signed a declaration that the hostilities was concluded β a move that won the Prime Minister the prestigious award. The both administrations were then partners in the country's 2020-2022 civil war in Tigray. Yet relations have subsequently deteriorated anew.