Politics
African Union clarifies position as Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions escalate
The continental body also stressed its opposition to interference in the internal affairs of member states.
Eritrea
East African Bloc
Ethiopia army chief links new rebel alliance to foreign powers
Speaking through the Ethiopian Army’s media outlet, Birhanu said Ethiopia’s adversaries had changed their approach, turning to financial support and intelligence operations to fuel internal conflict and interfere with the country’s development.
Global Affairs
Press freedom in sub-Saharan Africa faces sharp decline, new report warns
Reporters Without Borders says press freedom has worsened across sub-Saharan Africa, linking the decline to armed conflict, criminalisation of journalism and weaker economic conditions. Its 2026 index finds most countries “difficult” for media rights.
Global Affairs
Eritrean troops blamed for mass killings, says Ethiopia PM
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have often been tense. Abiy was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for ending a decades-long border dispute with Eritrea, and the countries appeared allied during the Tigray war.
Global Affairs
Ethiopia intercepts ammunition allegedly sent by Eritrea to rebels
The accusation comes at a delicate moment in Horn of Africa politics. Although Eritrean forces supported the Ethiopian government during the Tigray conflict from 2020 to 2022, relations deteriorated after Eritrea was excluded from the peace agreement that ended the northern Ethiopia civil war in 2022.
Global Affairs
IGAD regrets Eritrea’s withdrawal as regional cooperation faces uncertainty
This development comes after Eritrea rejoined the organisation only last year during the 14th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in June 2023, where it was welcomed by all member states in a show of regional solidarity and cooperation.
Global Affairs
Eritrea withdraws from IGAD, citing breach of mandate
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the withdrawal follows years of concern over the direction and conduct of the regional body. The ministry said Eritrea was deeply involved in IGAD’s renewal in 1993 and worked with other countries to strengthen the organisation so it could help secure peace, stability and economic integration in the region.
Global Affairs
Ethiopia warns UN of Eritrea’s alleged war preparations
The two countries last fought between 1998 and 2000 over the border town of Badme, a conflict that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Although Abiy mended ties with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki after taking office in 2018, that alliance has since fractured, particularly following disputes linked to the peace deal that ended the Tigray conflict in 2022.
News
108 Eritreans abandoned at Kenya-Uganda border in suspected human trafficking
The group, which includes men, women, and minors, was found stranded in the remote area after being dropped off by unidentified individuals using two buses.