Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki denied allegations that the recent trilateral meeting between Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia was part of an “axis” designed to undermine Ethiopia. During a national television interview on Saturday evening, Afwerki addressed growing speculation about the October meeting held in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital.

The president condemned what he called “disinformation campaigns” spread by foreign forces and activists through various media platforms, warning that such narratives could potentially escalate regional tensions. He emphasized that the gathering was not intended to create a hostile coalition against any country, including Ethiopia.

“This claim does not arise from genuine concern for Ethiopia,” the president stated, adding that the agreement between the three countries was primarily focused on promoting regional stability.

“Eritrea’s main interest is stability and cooperation across the Horn of Africa, the Nile Basin, and the Red Sea area,” he added. “Eritrea has absolutely no intention of seeing Ethiopia plunged into instability,” Isaias said, emphasizing that regional agreements will help address mistrust and yield positive outcomes.

Isaias argued that Ethiopia’s constitution dating from 1994 is fundamentally flawed, describing it as “a source of tension and does not promote nation-building.” He warned that unless Ethiopia resolves its internal conflicts, the country cannot contribute positively to regional stability, cooperation, and tolerance.

Isaias pointed to the prolonged Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict, which spanned nearly two decades, as a direct consequence of Ethiopia’s constitutional policies. He further attributed the border clashes between the two countries to the interference of foreign forces but did not name which countries he meant.

“After the arrival of a new administration [Abiy Ahmed’s government] in Ethiopia, Isaias said, “the war’s outbreak should be understood within this context,” referring to the Tigray conflict.

Isaias accused the TPLF of rejecting Ethiopia’s new administration and launching over 70 rocket strikes against Eritrea, stating that the group ignored Eritrea’s warnings to cease such attacks.

The president stated that following the Pretoria peace agreement, a new conflict erupted in the Amhara region. He stated that he would not accept the blame directed at his government and reiterated his commitment to avoiding involvement in any bloody war.