Unveiling the Realities in Tigray: The Overlooked Story of Eritrea and the Quest for Justice

The conflict and complex realities unfolding in Ethiopia’s northern region of Tigray have drawn significant international attention, with media outlets across the globe attempting to piece together a narrative from a region largely obscured from international scrutiny.

Recent reports by some media organizations, including France 24, accuse Eritrea of occupying parts of Tigray, casting the Eritrean government as an aggressor in an ongoing crisis. However, a closer examination of the historical context reveals a more nuanced story—one in which Eritrea, rather than expanding its reach, is reclaiming territories that, for two decades, were occupied by Ethiopia in direct violation of international laws and binding agreements.

A Legacy of Disputed Borders: The Algiers Agreement and Its Aftermath

To fully grasp Eritrea’s actions in Tigray, it is essential to understand the root of the territorial dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Following the bloody 1998–2000 Eritrean-Ethiopian War, the Algiers Agreement was signed in December 2000, creating a framework to end hostilities and to enforce internationally recognized borders.

As part of the agreement, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) delineated the border, awarding certain contested areas, including the town of Badme, to Eritrea.

The decision was legally binding, yet Ethiopia, then under the leadership of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)-dominated government, refused to comply, occupying these Eritrean territories for nearly two decades despite international calls to honor the agreement.

For twenty years, Eritrea remained restrained, adhering to the Algiers Agreement and calling for peaceful resolution even as its lands remained under Ethiopian control. International mediators largely failed to enforce the agreement, leading to a prolonged period of tension and isolation for Eritrea. The international community’s relative silence on this prolonged occupation left Eritreans with little recourse, fostering a sense of injustice among its people who were denied rightful access to their own territories.

The 2018 Peace Agreement and the Renewed Hope for Regional Stability

In a historic breakthrough in 2018, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated peace talks with Eritrea, resulting in a formal peace agreement and Ethiopia’s renewed commitment to respect the EEBC’s boundary decision. For Eritrea, this was a vindication of its long-standing position and a hopeful step towards normalized relations in the region. However, the internal dynamics within Ethiopia would soon destabilize this fragile peace.

In late 2020, the TPLF, which had dominated Ethiopian politics for decades and was displaced by the reforms of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, launched an attack on Ethiopian federal forces stationed in Tigray. This attack sparked a broader conflict that threatened to undermine the Ethiopian state. Amid this crisis, Eritrea extended support to Ethiopia, stepping in to stabilize the region. By reclaiming territories that had been rightfully awarded to it under international law, Eritrea was not only reasserting its sovereignty but also seeking to support a regional balance threatened by the resurgence of the TPLF.

Eritrea’s Role in Stabilizing the Border and Tigray’s Internal Chaos

Reports alleging Eritrean occupation overlook the fact that, rather than an aggressive expansion, Eritrea’s actions align with its legally recognized borders and international commitments. Since securing these territories, Eritrea has worked to stabilize its border regions, fostering a semblance of peace and security for communities long impacted by the protracted conflict.

Meanwhile, Tigray has faced mounting internal crises. Without a stable governance structure in place, lawlessness and internal divisions within the TPLF have exacerbated conditions in the region. Reports from within Tigray describe escalating crime rates, violence, and a population increasingly disillusioned with its local leadership.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, many in Tigray are reportedly calling for Eritrean intervention, viewing Eritrea as a potential stabilizing force that could offer reprieve from the TPLF’s fragmented and ineffective rule.

Accounts of escalating crime, including assaults on women and unchecked violence, reveal a region suffering not only from war but from a breakdown of governance. Tigrayans are caught between the aspirations for self-governance and the harsh realities of life under a divided leadership unable to provide even basic security.

Questioning Media Narratives and Recognizing the Historical Context

It is indeed perplexing that some international media outlets focus on recent Eritrean actions without reference to the prolonged occupation Eritrea endured. While quick to label Eritrea’s presence in Tigray as an “occupation,” these narratives seldom acknowledge Ethiopia’s two-decade-long violation of the Algiers Agreement.

The lack of balanced reporting raises important questions about media accountability and the responsibility to present a holistic perspective, one that includes the legitimate grievances and historical context of all parties involved.

The situation in Tigray is, without a doubt, complex, and all actors bear responsibility for their roles in the region’s destabilization. However, as we strive to understand the path forward, it is essential to approach the issue with an informed perspective, acknowledging the legitimate territorial claims of Eritrea and the historical injustices it has faced.

Eritrea’s involvement in Tigray is not a story of imperial ambition, but of a nation reclaiming what was legally recognized as its own, acting within the framework of international law to stabilize a volatile region.

A Call for Fair and Balanced Reporting

The humanitarian crisis in Tigray deserves the world’s attention, and the suffering of the people in this region demands swift and compassionate responses.

However, solutions can only be achieved if the narratives surrounding the crisis are honest and inclusive of the historical and legal context. Balanced reporting is not only a professional obligation for media but a moral imperative that can contribute to genuine understanding and lasting peace.

In bringing these truths to light, we pay tribute to the rule of law, to the resilience of the Eritrean people, and to the hope for a peaceful Horn of Africa—one that respects sovereign borders and prioritizes the well-being of its people.