Ethiopia warns against internationalization of border dispute with Sudan

ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian government on Thursday warned neighboring Sudan against escalation of the ongoing border tensions between the two countries and urged Sudanese government to refrain from what it calls internationalization of the conflict.

Last week, Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) claimed that elements from the Ethiopian army had entered its border and killed seven people including one civilian, a claim Ethiopia said denies and blame on armed criminals and the rebellious Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Speaking during a briefing to African ambassadors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen said there are mechanisms the two countries can use in order to resolve the border dispute, stressing important of ties between the citizens of the two countries.

“There are various standing mechanisms the two countries can utilize to resolve the border dispute without resorting to conflicts,” Mr. Mekonnen told the diplomats.

While reiterating his government’s readiness to resolve the border dispute with Sudan, the Ethiopian top government official said the tensions were incited by the Sudanese army along with the rebellious TPLF.

“The Government of Ethiopia is ready to solve the border dispute peacefully and amicably. I am calling on the Government of Sudan to refrain from unnecessarily escalating tensions and internationalize the issue,” he said.

“That incident was orchestrated and organized by the Sudanese military forces in tandem with the TPLF terrorist group,” he said.