Continued fighting reported on central, eastern fronts

Meanwhile, Eritrea reported further heavy fighting on Monday on the central front near the towns of Tsorona and Senafe, both of which were overrun by Ethiopian forces on Friday. Ethiopian government spokeswoman Selome Taddesse said on Sunday that the Eritrean army was continuing to shell Ethiopian positions near Bure, on the eastern front, despite Asmara’s pledge to withdraw its forces from the region. The Ethiopian air force had bombed military targets at Hirgigo, near the port of Massawa, she said.

Eritrea also reported the air raid, but said the target was a power plant under construction. A government statement said the plant, which is near completion, was financed under a loan agreement with international financiers, including institutions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Italy and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Presidential spokesman Yemane Gebremeskel told IRIN that the raid was clear evidence that the Ethiopian assault was no longer a border dispute but a “national invasion” to secure Red Sea access and a friendly client neighbour.

He acknowledged that Ethiopia now had the initiative in the conflict and that for Eritrea, withdrawal was the only option. “If you are overwhelmed by superior numbers you must withdraw or you jeopardise the whole country,” Yemane said.