Rising Tensions Raise Fears of Renewed Ethiopia-Eritrea War Amid Regional Instability

Fears of a renewed war between Ethiopia and Eritrea are mounting as political tensions, military build-ups, and shifting alliances heighten instability across the Horn of Africa. For over a year, regional observers and diplomats have warned that the once-frozen hostility between the two neighbours could reignite, driven by deepening mistrust between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.

Experts point to escalating rhetoric, cross-border military movements, and unresolved disputes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region as key flashpoints that could tip the fragile peace. Recent unrest in Tigray, where Eritrean forces remain accused of interference, has further strained relations and increased the risk of confrontation.

The tensions come amid a broader regional security crisis, with conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and the Red Sea corridor creating a volatile environment. Analysts warn that a renewed Ethiopia–Eritrea war would not only devastate both nations but also destabilize the wider Horn of Africa, disrupt trade routes, and exacerbate one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.