Tsimdo Eritrea–Tigray relations

Eritrea–Tigray relations

Eritrea	[[Tigray Region ]]

Tsimdo Eritrea–Tigray relations ('Tsimdo' in Tigrinya: ጽምዶ) refer to the evolving political, social, and cultural dynamics between the State of Eritrea and the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia, particularly in the wake of the 2020–2022 Tigray War and the 2018 Eritrea–Ethiopia peace agreement. In 2025, renewed public and political attention to the concept of tsimdo (ጽምዶ, meaning "engagement" or "reconciliation") marked a possible turning point in long-strained cross-border relations.

Although the two societies share historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, their political elites have been bitter rivals for decades. Analysts and activists now debate whether this new wave of "engagement" represents a strategic alliance of convenience or a genuine step toward long-term peace.

Historical background

The country now called Eritrea and the ancient state of Tigray in northern Ethiopia share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and regional ties that date back millennia. Both regions were part of the ancient Kingdom of Dʿmt (circa 10th–5th century BCE), one of the earliest known political entities in the Horn of Africa. This shared legacy continued with the Aksumite Kingdom (1st–10th century CE), a powerful and advanced civilization whose heartland included what is now Eritrea and Tigray. The people of both regions share a common heritage, including language (such as Tigrinya), Orthodox Christian traditions, architectural styles, and ancient trade networks connected to the Red Sea and the broader world.

In modern times, relations between Eritrea and Tigray were further solidified during their joint struggle against the Derg regime in the 1970s and 1980s. Both the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) were instrumental in overthrowing the military junta. However, the alliance frayed after Eritrea gained independence in 1993.

The Eritrean–Ethiopian War (1998–2000) severely damaged trust between Asmara and the Tigray-led Ethiopian government. Over 100,000 lives were lost, and diplomatic ties were severed until the 2018 Eritrea–Ethiopia peace agreement. Despite a brief opening of border towns like Zalambessa, tensions remained due to mutual accusations of betrayal, human rights abuses, and territorial claims.

During the 2020–2022 Tigray War, Eritrea supported Ethiopian federal forces against Tigray. Eritrean troops were widely accused of participating in atrocities within Tigray, further straining the relationship.

The 2025 Re-engagement

In mid-2025, the concept of Tsimdo resurfaced in media, political discourse, and public gatherings. On June 1, 2025, residents of Zalambessa and Ambesete Geleba celebrated Eritrea's Independence Day together for the first time in years. The joint commemoration was hailed as a symbol of civilian-led reconciliation.

Observers such as Dr. Mebrahtu Atewobrhan and Dr. Samson Makele noted that this engagement must not be limited to political elites or driven by temporary threats. They argue that sustainable peace requires:

• Inclusion of the broader Ethiopian federal government and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
• Justice for wartime atrocities
• Release of political prisoners
• Reparations and return of displaced persons

Political and civic perspectives

While some view the re-engagement as an opportunity to correct past mistakes, others criticize it as a tactical alliance rooted in the perception of a “common enemy.” Activists warn against repeating past mistakes where short-term diplomatic gains masked unresolved structural issues.

Critics within the Tigrayan diaspora also question engaging with a regime they accuse of war crimes, while some Eritrean voices call for addressing historic grievances, including alleged destruction and exploitation by successive Ethiopian regimes.

Cultural and grassroots engagement

Public sentiment in both regions appears cautiously optimistic. Younger generations in both Eritrea and Tigray are increasingly vocal in support of cross-border unity, calling for mutual acknowledgment of historical pain and shared futures. The Tigrinya proverb “ከመይ ንከመይ ምስ ከመይ?” (“With whom, for what?”) has become a slogan for evaluating the authenticity of any political reconciliation.

Challenges

Despite symbolic gestures, significant obstacles remain:

• Political exclusion of dissident voices and opposition groups
• Lack of institutional safeguards to uphold agreements
• Absence of transitional justice mechanisms
• Continued media-driven propaganda and historical revisionism

See also

• Eritrea–Ethiopia relations
• Tigray War
• Eritrean–Ethiopian War
• Genocide in Tigray
• Siege of Tigray
• Tigrayan Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• Pretoria Agreement
• Zalambessa
• Border conflict in the Horn of Africa