What are the conditions set by the Eritrean government for negotiations with Ethiopia?

Tuesday 11 Nov 2026 {HMC} Eritrea has set conditions as countries including Russia and China are engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the escalating tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea, through a dialogue pathway.

According to Eritrea's conditions, for the country to begin talks with Ethiopia, Ethiopia must renounce issues related to maritime boundaries and interests concerning the expansion of borders.

As stated in a statement from the Eritrean government, the country “does not wish to enter into any discussions regarding the independence and unity of its borders.”

As mentioned in a statement issued by the Eritrean government on March 9, 2026, which was released by state media, the independence, freedom, and unity of the country's borders is a “red line” that can never be brought up during any discussions.

The statement also noted that Eritrea “patiently and generously overlooks” the insults and attacks it claims to be facing.

It was added that the country is firmly committed to maintaining security, while also being ready for dialogue, but it was made clear that there will never be any bargaining or discussions regarding independence and borders, regardless of the circumstances.

Ethiopia may argue that the maritime issue concerning the Red Sea is a national interest that pertains to it.

The position of the Eritrean government comes at a time when concerns are growing that the two countries may enter into conflict, while diplomatic efforts are underway to mediate.

Ethiopia and Eritrea ended a conflict that lasted more than 20 years in 2018, with the leaders of both countries having built a particularly good relationship.

Between 2020 and 2022, the two countries jointly supported the Ethiopian government in the Tigray war against the TPLF.

After the signing of the Pretoria Agreement in 2022, and at the end of 2023 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia should move away from the Red Sea, the relationship between the two countries shifted to conflict and confrontation.

The Eritrean government described Ethiopia's move as an attempt to seize maritime borders and Eritrea's independence.

In a new statement released yesterday, it accused Ethiopia of violating international law and the African Union Charter, claiming the aim was “strategic advantage” or “economic interests.”

Several political and military leaders, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have repeatedly emphasized the need for Ethiopia to secure a route to the sea over the past three years.

Last week, the Ethiopian Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Kindu Gazzuu, was reported to have stated that the process by which Eritrea took its freedom from Ethiopia was “just and illegal.”

The commander also stated that if Ethiopia does not succeed through legal and diplomatic means, it will turn to other options.

The alternative is that the Cassab port must be forcibly returned, as stated in the Eritrean statement.

Diplomatically, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has attempted to bring together the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow.

China is also strengthening ties between the two countries to ease tensions in South Africa.

The President of Eritrea Isaias Afewerki met with the Chinese special envoy for South Africa, Hu Changchun, in the city of Asmara on March 5,

Their discussions focused on regional stability, development, and cooperation between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister Gideon Timothy met with the Chinese Special Envoy for African Affairs Lihu Shianfa who arrived in Addis Ababa.

During the talks, they discussed the security situation in the region and expressed China's determination to support regional conflicts.

These discussions have been described as part of China's diplomatic efforts to cool tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

However, neither China nor Russia has officially initiated reconciliation talks.

BBC REPORT