Prof. Alemayehu: Eritrea’s Policy Threatens Regional Stability

Former California State University professor, Alemayehu, stated that the Eritrean leadership views Ethiopia as a strategic adversary, believing that instability in Ethiopia benefits Asmara. He argued that Eritrea supports armed groups opposing the Ethiopian state and facilitates military assistance from external actors, prioritizing destabilization over constructive bilateral relations. The professor characterized the Eritrean system as authoritarian and detrimental to regional security.

He further alleged that Eritrean troops have conducted incursions into Ethiopian territory, citing evidence like satellite imagery. Alemayehu asserted that Ethiopia has the right to self-defense, suggesting this could extend to preemptive measures or the establishment of a security buffer zone inside Eritrea to deter cross-border attacks. He concluded that Eritrea's confrontational approach remains a primary obstacle to peace in the Horn of Africa.