Brief

Eritrea asks UN to intervene after Ethiopia accuses it of invasion

Eritrea’s foreign minister appealed to the UN for Chapter VII action following Ethiopia’s claim that Eritrean troops entered Tigray up to 60 km.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:36:22 GMT

Eritrea on Monday urged the United Nations Security Council to adopt "deterrent measures" after Ethiopia accused Asmara of launching an "all‑out invasion" into the Tigray region.

What happened

Ethiopia’s foreign ministry sent a letter to the council on Saturday alleging that Eritrean forces had advanced up to 60 kilometres (37 miles) inside northern Tigray. In response, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh submitted a separate letter on Sunday, denying the allegation and invoking Chapter VII of the UN Charter to request that the council condemn Ethiopia’s "declaration of war" and impose measures ranging from sanctions to possible military action.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera notes that Ethiopia also claimed to have pushed Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebels back and seized the regional capital, Mekelle, while launching drone strikes against alleged Eritrean troops. The outlet adds that Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos described Eritrea’s actions as a "blatant act of aggression" and cited Article 51 of the UN Charter to justify Ethiopia’s right to self‑defence, though he did not detail any specific response.

What was said

"Eritrea requests the UN Security Council to forcefully condemn Ethiopia’s deplorable declaration of war against Eritrea … and take the requisite deterrent measures," Saleh wrote, according to Al Jazeera. Timothewos told the same outlet that Ethiopia would act in self‑defence, calling Eritrea’s move an aggression. Horn of Africa specialist Faisal Roble, speaking from Nairobi, said both sides appear to be preparing for the "last phase of an open conflict" and that any UN correspondence is largely posturing.

How it came about

The latest diplomatic exchange follows weeks of fighting in Tigray, where an alliance of seven armed groups has challenged federal forces. Earlier this month, the United States urged both neighbours to exercise maximum restraint, warning of a regional humanitarian catastrophe. Felo News previously reported on the mutual accusations of invasion on 9 October and on eyewitness accounts of Eritrean troops in Adigrat on 7 October, highlighting the escalating tension.

Key facts

Eritrea asked the UN Security Council to take deterrent measures under Chapter VII. (aljazeera.com)
Ethiopia claimed Eritrean troops advanced up to 60 km into Tigray. (aljazeera.com)
Ethiopia said it had recaptured Mekelle and launched drone strikes against Eritrean forces. (aljazeera.com)
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh denied the incursion, calling Ethiopia’s claim a pretext for aggression. (aljazeera.com)
Horn of Africa specialist Faisal Roble warned both sides are inching toward open conflict. (aljazeera.com)