“Q4: On PP’s proclamation of war and the agenda of two waters.
We should not waste time on this issue (this question does not merit a response). The Prosperity Party is pursuing an agenda of war against its own people. In spite of the Pretoria Agreement, it is waging war against the Amhara, Tigray and Oromo peoples. It has declared war against us. It is bragging about Drones and weapons that it has amassed. We have no appetite for war. But we know how to defend our nation. Our vision was to foster good ties. But we should not be perturbed by PP’s agenda, which in essence is driven by the same external force bent on stoking conflict in the region and is behind the crisis in the Sudan. The PP’s mindset can be described by the following four attributes: Ineptness; bankruptcy, cowardice; and greed. In the event, we should not be distracted and give space to its delusional posturing. We must focus on our domestic developmental agenda” – President Isaias Afwerki (Highlights of Local Media Interview with President Isaias Afwerki, 13.01.2026).
There is no love lost between the brothers. That is clearly obvious in 2026. The little friendship and the cordial agreements between Asmara and Addis Ababa have now been depleted and destroyed.
The Eritrean President is clearly calling the Prosperity Party and the Ethiopian Prime Minister as scavengers. That’s the notion of it. PIA is saying Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, and their mindset is “ineptness, bankruptcy, cowardice and greed”. That’s really telling…
That someone like Afwerki can call you out and spill the beans. Well, that’s really compelling and a story in itself. Because Afwerki was an ally and worked in coordination with the Ethiopian Forces in the War of the North and against Tigray. They were brothers-in-arms and was allies. They did all of that and now his calling Abiy and his party out.
The People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) should be careful about how they describe others. As there are reports and claims about how it operates as a governing party and state. Not like the State of Eritrea is a professed democracy or are even a transparent government. It isn’t like the Eritrean nation has held any elections or anything really since independence. So, the Head of State can speak ill of Abiy and the PP. However, they shouldn’t take it too far. Especially, when civilians and citizens are forced to conscript and be part of the army for years on end. Therefore, not like the PIA or PFDJ are peaceful and loving statesmen.
Why should we believe in his domestic development agenda?
When his more into the grander scheme of things in the Horn of Africa. It isn’t like PIA are all in on being transparent or allowing the will of the people to reign in the State of Eritrea. So, this man should be careful about his words when this is public knowledge.
Afwerki has already been called out for his involvement in conflicts and supporting proxies in the past. So, he should maybe consider those implications before challenging Abiy. As well, as the ideals of not being a warmonger himself. Since there is little trust between and his neighbours. There was a moment of hope between PIA and Abiy, but that went sour fast. First very hopeful, but later … it has been demolished.
We know Abiy isn’t to be trusted, but neither is Afwerki. The Red Sea dream of Addis Ababa is another war coming. Yes, Eritrea has a right to defend their sovereign and the territories. That is a given and for anyone to question that is foolish. We know the PP and Abiy have promoted this of late and been creating narratives to buy into just that. However, Eritrea should be prepared and acknowledge the threat. Because Abiy is a warlord and could issue another war. Even if his amid internal conflicts already. Time will tell… but that man isn’t willing to budge.
It is refreshing to see Afwerki unleashing this rhetoric in regard to Abiy. Nevertheless, don’t expect rapid changes or anything significant. It is a sign, but nothing is written in stone. Peace.
MinBane 