On Tuesday September 10, 2024, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel issued a sharp critique on X (formerly Twitter), accusing foreign lobbyists of fueling disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the Horn of Africa. Minister Yemane described a “motley League of hired/corrupt lobbyists” as distorting historical facts, international law, and the current political landscape to provoke instability for financial gain.
While he did not provide specific evidence to substantiate these claims, Minister Yemane likened these lobbyists to “jackals” whose opportunistic interference would ignite tensions but fade once the damage was done. He also condemned local political forces in the region, calling them “myopic” for aligning with external actors in pursuit of narrow, self-serving agendas that jeopardize peace and stability.
Although Minister Yemane refrained from mentioning specific countries or incidents, analysts suggest his remarks may be directed toward the escalating diplomatic rift between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia’s recent attempts to secure a sea outlet by negotiating with a breakaway region of Somalia have sparked significant tensions. The move, which violates Somalia’s sovereignty, has deepened the geopolitical crisis, raising concerns about Ethiopia’s broader ambitions in the region. Eritrea, with its long history of advocating for regional stability and territorial integrity, likely views Ethiopia’s actions as a potential threat to its own strategic interests and those of the wider region.
In a previous post, Minister Yemane warned against crossing “perilous red lines” with respect to Eritrea’s sovereignty, a statement widely interpreted as a signal to neighboring countries and foreign powers. His recent comments reinforce his stance that foreign meddling, especially in the form of external “saviours,” will not provide a solution to the Horn of Africa’s enduring problems.
Although the minister’s posts convey a sense of urgency and frustration, they remain vague in details and evidence. Nonetheless, his warnings highlight the intricate and delicate power dynamics at play in the Horn of Africa, where both foreign and domestic actors are seen as potential disruptors of the region’s fragile stability.