UN Deputy Chief Calls for Respecting Ethiopia’s Sovereignty as Eritrea Border Tensions Flare

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed underscored the need to respect Ethiopia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty on Thursday, as renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia fuels a rapid breakdown in relations with neighboring Eritrea.

Mohammed made the remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos in Addis Ababa while transiting back to New York from Fiji. According to the UN, the discussions focused on regional stability and recent national developments. Mohammed also congratulated the newly sworn-in cabinet, which features 41 percent female representation.

Her emphasis on sovereignty coincides with a severe diplomatic rupture between Addis Ababa and Asmara. Ethiopia recently shuttered its embassy in Eritrea and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, accusing Asmara of hostile acts as clashes intensified in Tigray. In response, Eritrea formally severed diplomatic ties.

Tensions escalated further following unverified reports that Eritrean forces entered several towns in Tigray on Wednesday, triggering alleged retaliatory strikes by Ethiopian government drones through Thursday morning. On the same day, Foreign Minister Timothewos demanded the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces, reaffirming Ethiopia’s right to defend its territory under international law.

The UN statement did not explicitly cite Eritrea or reference specific military actions in connection with Mohammed’s comments. However, the timing highlights growing international concern over the fragile Horn of Africa region.

Relations between the former allies have deteriorated sharply since the 2020–2022 Tigray war, exacerbated by disputes over regional security and Ethiopia’s peaceful pursuit of Red Sea access—a strategic goal that has raised alarm in Asmara regarding the port of Assab.