Ethiopia, Eritrea Near Armed Conflict Amid Rising Tensions

Tensions are escalating in Ethiopia and Eritrea, with both nations mobilizing military forces amid fears of renewed conflict. Residents in Mekelle express anxiety over the fragile peace following a civil war that resulted in significant casualties, with many preparing for potential displacement. The Eritrean government has aligned itself with certain factions within the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), complicating the internal dynamics and potentially triggering broader regional instability. The pro-Addis Abeba position adopted by Tigray's interim administration adds to the volatility, with fears that the situation could draw in international stakeholders. Furthermore, Eritrea has received military support from Egypt, heightening concerns of a larger conflict that could impact the entire Horn of Africa. Overall, the complex interplay of local factions and external influences suggests a precarious path ahead for both nations.