--- title: "Abiy Ahmed Sworn in for Another Term Amid Escalating Tensions in Tigray Region" url: https://newscentral.site/abiy-ahmed-sworn-in-for-another-term-amid-escalating-tensions/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-06T13:32:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-06T17:32:55.655Z id: 2ac31783-b5bd-486d-9eee-6f98defb32be source: "DW English https://www.dw.com/en/tigray-war-may-spill-over-to-eritrea-helped-by-prime-minister-abiy-ahmed-s-rhetoric/a-79562957?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/abiy-ahmed-sworn-in-for-another-term-amid-escalating-tensions/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Abiy Ahmed Sworn in for Another Term Amid Escalating Tensions in Tigray Region The inauguration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed marks a worrying turn in the conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, where fighting between government forces and regional authorities has been ongoing for months. Ethiopia's conflict in the northern Tigray region has taken a worrying turn as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was sworn in for another term on Monday afternoon. The event took place amidst escalating tensions in the region, where fighting between government forces and regional authorities has been ongoing for months. Abiy's inauguration was followed by a statement reaffirming his commitment to granting Ethiopia direct access to the Red Sea. He expressed this intention as "give and take," suggesting that he is willing to negotiate with neighboring countries to achieve this goal. This stance, however, may exacerbate existing tensions with Eritrea, which has long been at odds with Ethiopia over control of Eritrea's port city of Assab. The implications of Abiy's remarks are significant, given the history of conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two countries have a contentious relationship, particularly when it comes to access to the Red Sea. Ethiopia's desire for direct access to the sea has been a long-standing issue, with Eritrea's port city of Assab being a crucial point of contention. Abiy's renewed mandate as Prime Minister gives him stronger political authority, but this may not be enough to address the complex challenges facing his government. DW correspondent Solomon Muchie noted that despite Abiy's strengthened position, he will still face significant hurdles in achieving lasting stability and resolving regional disputes. One such challenge is the recent meeting of countries opposed to Ethiopia, which took place in Cairo on Sunday. The meeting, attended by leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan, discussed regional issues without inviting Ethiopian representatives. This exclusion serves as a reminder that Abiy's government will face opposition and challenges in its dealings with neighboring countries during his new term. The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region has raised concerns about potential spillover into neighboring countries, particularly Eritrea. Analysts believe that Eritrea is now facing an imminent threat of being drawn into the war. Eritrea has legitimate concerns about Ethiopia's intentions to occupy its territory and gain control of strategic ports, including Assab. This port is crucial not only for commercial purposes but also due to its strategic location overseeing the Bab el Mandeb Strait, the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Without access to the port of Assab, Eritrea's significance as a nation would be severely diminished. The port's importance lies in its control over the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which allows for easy passage into the Red Sea and access to international trade routes. The recent severing of diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Eritrea, along with Egypt, has sparked concerns that the Ethiopian government is preparing to pursue its goals by force. The renewed fighting in Tigray and the reported mobilization of troops towards the Eritrean border suggest a possible escalation of tensions. A pro-government media outlet revealed on Monday that the Ethiopian army had begun mobilizing towards the Eritrean border, following the retreat of the Tigray People's Liberation Front to the area near Adigrat, an important gateway to Eritrea and the Red Sea. The cultural ties between Tigrayans and Eritreans are undeniable, with many shared traditions, languages, and faiths. This regional connection raises concerns about a potential spillover of the conflict into neighboring Eritrea, which could be exacerbated by the Ethiopian government's rhetoric. Sayed points out that the current rebel movement in Tigray, the TPLF, may resort to guerrilla warfare tactics if they are forced out of major towns and cities. The Ethiopian government appears to be waiting for an excuse to draw Eritrea into the conflict, with allegations being made against the Eritrean army without concrete evidence. Ethiopian officials have been making unsubstantiated claims that the Eritrean military is already engaged in combat within Ethiopia's borders. The war in Tigray has raised concerns about its potential to spill over into neighboring countries, including Eritrea. Access to Djibouti may play a crucial role in this scenario, as Ethiopia's main trade route passes through the country. The trade relationship between the two nations is significant, with both sides benefiting from it. According to Dr. Jalale Getachew Birru, senior East Africa analyst at ACLED, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) aims to control the main route from Djibouti to Addis Ababa. This would give them leverage over Ethiopia's economy and potentially shift the balance of power in their favor. The recent recognition by Israel of Somalia's autonomous Somaliland region as an independent state has introduced a new dynamic into diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa. Thousands of people have fled from Yemen's war into neighboring Djibouti, where they join thousands more displaced by the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The influx has put a strain on local resources and infrastructure. Djibouti's strategic location at the entrance to the Red Sea makes it a crucial hub for international trade routes, hosting airbases from major players like the US, China, France, Italy, and Japan. --- Source: [DW English](https://www.dw.com/en/tigray-war-may-spill-over-to-eritrea-helped-by-prime-minister-abiy-ahmed-s-rhetoric/a-79562957?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/abiy-ahmed-sworn-in-for-another-term-amid-escalating-tensions/