ADDIS ABABA | February 8, 2026 ​The "call for peace" issued by the Ethiopian government on February 7, 2026, addressed to the State of Eritrea, is being exposed by reliable sources as a coordinated campaign of deception and a pretext for war. This move is a calculated strategy designed to distract from Ethiopia's internal political crises and the upcoming June 2026 national elections, potentially dragging the region into a renewed and devastating conflict. ​1. The "Architects of Destruction": Military Commanders Mobilized ​To execute this agenda against Eritrea, the administration of Abiy Ahmed has recalled three veteran generals to the military forefront. Known for their historical hostility toward Eritrean sovereignty, these figures are also recognized for their roles in opposing the interests of the Amhara (Fano) and the people of Tigray. ​The strategic military deployment is reported as follows: • ​Lieutenant General Tsadkan Gebretensae: Assigned to command the Afar Front, aimed at advancing toward the port of Assab. • ​Lieutenant General Yohannes Gebremeskel (Mengeg): Assigned to command the Southern Tigray Front. • ​General Samora Yenus: Assigned to lead operations from the Western Tigray Front, overseeing the broader war of attrition. ​Sources indicate that these commanders are prepared to officially violate the Pretoria Peace Agreement to facilitate this offensive, signaling a total collapse of previous diplomatic frameworks. ​2. Foreign Patronage: The Role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ​The preparations for this conflict are reportedly backed by significant external support. Reliable intelligence suggests that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is providing the necessary resources to fuel this campaign, including: • ​Billions of dollars in military budgets and logistical supplies. • ​Advanced technological support and intelligence sharing. • ​A steady supply of armed drones to provide air superiority. ​3. The "Access to the Sea" Pretext ​The mention of the "Port of Assab" in the official letter is viewed as a direct provocation and a violation of international law. By framing a sovereign nation's territory as a "negotiation agenda," the Ethiopian government is attempting to stir nationalist sentiment to gain moral justification for a military invasion. ​4. Internal Failure and Election Anxiety ​The primary driver behind this escalation is the existential threat facing the current regime ahead of the June 2026 elections. Faced with a collapsing economy, the Fano uprising in the Amhara region, and instability in Tigray, the administration is seeking to create an "external enemy" to unify a fractured domestic base and cling to power. ​Conclusion ​The people and armed forces of Eritrea remain in a state of high vigilance, ready to defend their national sovereignty against any external aggression. The international community must look past the diplomatic rhetoric of the Addis Ababa letter and recognize it as a roadmap to war. To prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, immediate pressure must be applied to the Ethiopian regime and its foreign enablers. ​Sovereignty and Peace shall Prevail. Reported by: Serwe Times | 2026