Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly accused Eritrean troops of committing atrocities, including mass killings, during the Tigray war.
In a parliamentary address, Abiy admitted Eritrean soldiers massacred people in Aksum, contradicting previous denials.
The allegations mark a shift in tone, as Abiy had previously praised Eritrea’s role in the conflict.
The Tigray war, which ended in 2022, saw Eritrean forces fight alongside Ethiopia’s army against local Tigrayan fighters. Rights groups estimate 600,000 people were killed during the conflict.
Abiy’s comments come amid renewed tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with fears of a renewed conflict.
The African Union brokered a deal to end the war in 2022, but Eritrea wasn’t a signatory.
Abiy’s admission may pressure Eritrea to respond, escalating the war of words between the Horn of Africa neighbors.
