Eritrea in a Proxy War

After a war that lasted from 1998 to 2000 in which 70,000 were killed, the town of Badme was awarded to Eritrea based on a border ruling by the United Nations (UN). Since then tension has remained between the two nations as neither side has retreated military forces from the border. Ethiopia refuses to accept the border decision and has requested a revised ruling, claiming the ruling splits families. However, both Eritrea and the UN border commission insist that the 2002 border decision is final and binding. There is fear that border disputes may lead to another war if both sides continue to flex their “military muscles and escalated rhetoric.”

The tension further mounts considering Eritrea’s support of neighboring Somali opposition. Ethiopia troops have been guarding the Somali government since it helped overthrow the Islamist government in December. Their presence in Somalia has been marked by relentless attack by supposed Islamist insurgents. In response to Ethiopia’s involvement, the Eritrea government has announced its support against its “arched foe” and invaders of Somalia. Western analysts suspect Eritrea may be fighting a proxy war in Somalia by aiding and abetting Somali insurgents accused of killing hundreds of people in Mogadishu.  However, the Eritrea government insists the Somali people have a right legitimate right to self defense against invaders and Ethiopia’s fight is doomed to fail.

Eritrea has been accused by Ethiopia and the United States of harboring terrorists. The city of Asmara is fast becoming a home away from home for Sudanese and Somali rebels. According to a state-run newspaper, Eritrea President Issaias Afeworki, pledged his support to Somali insurgents in Asmara. The West, especially the United States, has threatened to put Eritrea on its state sponsors of terrorism list for not only protecting insurgents but also supplying them with weapons. Eritrea has denied such claims and accuses the United States of stirring conflict for its own personal gains.

For more information please see:

Yahoo News-  Ethiopia says Eritrea must Change Stance on Border Dispute - 17 September 2007.

Reuters: Africa- Eritrea backs Somali opposition against Ethiopia -15 September 2007.

Reuters: Africa- Africa’s Rebels take to tranquil Eritrea Capital -16 September 2007.

AFP-  Eritrean President backs Somali opposition alliance -15 September 2007.