Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, has issued a strong response to recent remarks made by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, in a rare public exchange that signals rising tensions between the two Horn of Africa neighbors.
Speaking earlier this week during an address focused on Ethiopia’s military reforms, the defense minister criticized President Isaias for his comments about Ethiopia’s internal affairs and sovereignty, calling them “unfounded and provocative.”
Without mentioning the Eritrean leader by name, Minister Mohammed said it was “typical” of certain individuals “to speak disparagingly about Ethiopia,” and emphasized that “Ethiopia is not a state that takes orders from others.” Her remarks come days after President Isaias, during Eritrea’s Independence Day speech, described Ethiopia as being under external influence and ideologically fractured, referring to the ruling party’s narrative as “Oromummaa.”
In her address, Minister Mohammed highlighted the modernization and expansion of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), noting the formation of specialized units including cyber, naval, and special operations forces. She stated that Ethiopia is prepared “not for minor internal threats,” but for any foreign actor that challenges the nation’s sovereignty.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, once allies during the 2020–2022 conflict against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), have soured in recent months. Analysts point to shifting regional alliances and growing distrust as underlying causes. There are now growing concerns about a possible breakdown in diplomatic ties, with speculation mounting over the risk of military confrontation.
While both governments have not officially declared any change in policy toward one another, recent rhetoric suggests a growing strain. Observers urge caution, warning that any further escalation could destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region, already grappling with multiple conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Efforts at dialogue remain limited, and neither side has indicated a willingness to engage in de-escalation talks. For now, tensions appear to be rising, with both governments reinforcing nationalist narratives and strengthening military readiness.