Former Ethiopian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Major General Abebe Tekle Haymanot (Jobe) has pointed out that the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea was initially an unholy one, and said that there are signs that it could lead to conflict.

He recalled a research paper he wrote three years ago regarding the conditions under which Ethiopia could benefit from the port, but said that the question should not be answered forcefully. He noted that if a war breaks out between the countries, the direction of the war will be known only when the purpose of the war is known, adding, "One of the purposes of the war may be to capture an idea, and the other to eliminate the Shaabi."

He noted that if the aim of the war is to capture the mind, the equipment and technological capabilities of the two countries should be assessed, and if the aim is to overthrow the Shaabi government, intervention by countries like the United States, which are concerned about Eritrea's fate, is expected.

"How do America, China and Russia see the issue? Who will Egypt side with? It is another matter. If Ethiopia wants to control the situation, and the United Arab Emirates supports it, Saudi Arabia may not be happy. Such a crisis will inevitably invite Egypt. It is necessary to consider the interests of Somalia and Somaliland, Turkey's presence in the region as a mediator, and Donald Trump's coming to power. Even if the regional situation is said to change, it cannot be changed only in the Red Sea. It is important to understand that controlling the situation is not only an Ethiopian issue," he explained.

The former Air Force Chief of Staff, who stated that it was a big mistake not to have done so during the Ethio-Eritrea war 28 years ago, said that the big mistake made in the 18 years that followed of keeping the enemy silent has paid a heavy price. He said that it caused the people of Tigray to pay the price, especially during the war in the north, and pointed out that if war breaks out again, the Tigray region could become a battlefield.

On the other hand, he also stated that the issue of whether the federal government army can enter Tigray without consulting the regional army called TDF is questionable. 28 years ago, “Ethiopia is bound by the federal system. It does not have an air force, so it invaded Shabia,” Major General Abebe said, recalling that he was a member of the Central Command of the defense forces at the time and that the decision was made to enter and destroy Shabia as far as Asmara. However, the general, who recalled that he was ordered to return after the decision of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other senior leaders, “It is enough to weaken Eritrea,” added that the mistake made at that time “is costing us as a country today. Shabia has lost its soul because of our mistakes.”

He said that choosing silence in the 18 years after the war was a big mistake, despite the enemy force behind it saying, "I will destroy the people of Tigray, I will attack Ethiopia."

He added, “Ethiopia deserves a seaport. It should use its intelligence. But it should not be by force,” and warned that even if there is a war aimed at changing the regional balance, “the game will not end in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is easy to start a war, but it is difficult to stop it.” He added that violent action by either side poses a significant regional threat. 

TPLF Deputy Chairman Ato Amanuel Assefa said he has observed a conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and said two days ago that there were exchanges of words centered on the Red Sea.

"We are witnessing military scenes that look like preparations," said Ato Amanuel, adding that there is no issue that can be resolved through war. He urged both the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments to view things calmly, noting that not only is it a war zone, but the geopolitical risk it poses should also be taken into account.

Human Rights Concern for Eritrea, a human rights organization, announced in a statement issued a week ago that the Eritrean government had ordered local governments to require citizens under the age of 60 to undergo military training.