ASMARA, Eritrea — In a fiery Independence Day address, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accused Ethiopia’s government of acting as a “surrogate” for Western powers and fueling ethnic conflict at home, marking a new low point in the increasingly fraught relations between the Horn of Africa neighbors.

Speaking in Asmara on the 33rd anniversary of Eritrea’s independence, Afwerki delivered a blistering critique of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, claiming that Addis Ababa has embraced an ideology of ethnic federalism that has plunged Ethiopia into “turmoil and destruction.”

“Ethnic polarization has become the defining feature of Ethiopian politics,” Afwerki declared, pointing to the ideology of “Orommuma” — a nationalist current associated with the Oromo ethnic group — as a destabilizing force. “It does not truly represent the Oromo people, but rather fans the flames of division across the country.”

The Eritrean president also condemned what he called a campaign of “psychological warfare” being used to suppress truth, spread misinformation, and incite inter-communal grievances. He alleged that these tactics were being wielded not only inside Ethiopia but also against the Eritrean state.

“Overt and covert acts of subversion against the people and government of Eritrea are well known to all,” he said, without providing specifics.

Afwerki expressed deep disappointment over the collapse of optimism that followed the historic 2018 peace agreement with Ethiopia — a deal that ended two decades of hostilities and helped earn Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize. That reconciliation, he said, has “dissipated” in the face of Ethiopia’s shifting internal politics and renewed alignment with external powers.

“The people of Eritrea do not regret the unwavering support they extended in hopes of reform,” he said, “even as events took an unexpected and unfortunate turn.”

Afwerki suggested that growing numbers of Ethiopians are now turning against their government, signaling internal dissent and a potentially volatile political climate across the border.

A rivalry rooted in war and mistrust

Eritrea and Ethiopia share a long and bitter history. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a three-decade war. Five years later, the two nations fought a brutal border conflict from 1998 to 2000, which left tens of thousands dead and froze diplomatic relations for nearly 20 years.

The 2018 peace agreement — once hailed as a turning point — brought a brief period of rapprochement. However, that cooperation unraveled amid Ethiopia’s escalating internal conflicts, including the devastating war in Tigray (2020–2022), during which Eritrean troops fought alongside Ethiopian federal forces.

Although the two governments were briefly aligned during that conflict, tensions have resurfaced, with growing signs of estrangement between the former wartime allies.

Afwerki’s latest remarks underscore the deepening mistrust and point to a renewed chapter of hostility in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.