Horn of Africa Tensions Rise After Eritrea Rejects Ethiopia’s Asseb Port Statements

NEW DELHI, Oct 14 – A verbal clash erupted between the Ethiopian and Eritrean embassies in Delhi after the Ethiopian side made public comments on the Asseb port issue. The Eritrean diplomatic mission issued a forceful rebuttal on Wednesday, branding the Ethiopian claims as misleading and unfounded.

Eritrea warned that Ethiopia’s longstanding ambition to obtain a direct route to the Red Sea via the Asseb harbour threatens the sovereign rights of Eritrea. The embassy expressed serious concern that such intentions could undermine Eritrea’s territorial integrity and destabilise the broader Horn of Africa region.

The statement underscored that honoring each nation’s sovereignty and territorial wholeness is essential for regional peace and stability. It accused Ethiopia of manipulating facts to portray Eritrea as an aggressive state, a narrative that could heighten tensions.

Eritrea reaffirmed its commitment to equal sovereignty, non‑interference in the internal matters of other countries, and peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. It appealed to the Ethiopian embassy to act with restraint and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to maintaining amicable bilateral relations.

The Eritrean note also called on the media and the international community to carefully examine the allegations, demand reliable proof, and provide an impartial assessment of the situation. Eritrea said it remains alert in defending its sovereignty and national security while continuing to advocate for peace, stability, and adherence to international law across the Horn of Africa.