The ongoing presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia has been a source of controversy, with conflicting reports coming from both the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, in visit to the Kenyan capital Nairobi, stated that Eritrean troops had moved back to the border but had not yet left Ethiopia. However, this assertion has been disputed by Ethiopian authorities, who claim that the Eritrean troops have already departed the country.
The Eritrean troops played a role in the two-year conflict in the northern region of Tigray, fighting alongside the Ethiopian military and allied militias. In November, an agreement was signed to end the hostilities and required the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Tigray. The potential ongoing presence of Eritrean troops in the region is viewed as a major obstacle to the successful implementation of the peace agreement.
Despite requests for comment from major international publications, both the Eritrean information minister Yemane Gebremeskel and Ethiopian government representatives, including Legesse Tulu and Redwan Hussein, have remained silent on the matter. However, a senior Ethiopia military officer has denied the presence of Eritrean troops in the country. On the other hand, Getachew Reda, a spokesperson for the Tigrayan forces, has stated that “thousands” of Eritrean troops are still in the region.
The exact status of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia remains unclear, and the conflicting reports from both sides continue to fuel debate and speculation. The potential continued presence of foreign troops in the region is seen as a hindrance to peace efforts in the aftermath of the Tigray war, which resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people.
The situation surrounding the presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is complex and ongoing. The conflicting reports from both the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments have made it difficult to determine the exact status of these troops, and their potential continued presence is seen as a major obstacle to peace efforts in the region. It is important for both sides to work together to clarify the situation and to ensure a stable and secure future for the people of Tigray and Ethiopia as a whole.