Eritrea has strongly dismissed recent allegations made by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) accusing the Eritrean government of engaging in gold smuggling operations. In an official statement, the Eritrean government described the claims as mendacious and an attempt to tarnish its reputation amidst regional tensions.
The TPLF, which has been in conflict with both the Ethiopian federal government and Eritrea in recent years, alleged that Eritrean authorities have been exploiting the Tigray conflict to illegally extract and smuggle gold from the region. According to the TPLF, these operations were said to have been carried out to finance Eritrea’s military activities and bolster its economy. However, Eritrean officials have categorically rejected the accusations, stating that they are unfounded and politically motivated.
The Eritrean government emphasized that it remains committed to transparency and ethical conduct in its economic activities. Officials also criticized the TPLF for what they described as a pattern of spreading false information to divert attention from its own actions and failures. These allegations are not only baseless but are also part of a deliberate campaign of misinformation aimed at misleading the international community, read part of the statement released by Eritrea’s Ministry of Information.
The relationship between Eritrea and the TPLF has been marked by hostility for decades, exacerbated by the long-standing border disputes and the recent civil war in Ethiopia. Eritrea was a key ally of Ethiopian federal forces during the two-year conflict in Tigray, a war that left thousands dead, displaced millions, and devastated the region’s infrastructure.
Analysts suggest that the TPLF’s accusations may be intended to draw international scrutiny and pressure on Eritrea, which has faced criticism for its alleged role in human rights abuses during the conflict. However, Eritrea has consistently denied these allegations and accused the TPLF of using propaganda tactics to gain sympathy and support.
The allegations come at a time when efforts are being made to rebuild trust and stability in the Horn of Africa following the peace agreement signed in November 2022 between the Ethiopian federal government and the TPLF. Eritrea was not a direct party to the agreement but has since expressed its willingness to cooperate in ensuring lasting peace in the region.
Despite these assurances, critics argue that Eritrea’s continued military presence in parts of northern Ethiopia and its strained relations with the TPLF could hinder the region’s recovery. The latest allegations are likely to add further strain to an already volatile situation.
Eritrea’s response to the allegations underscores its determination to counter narratives it perceives as attempts to undermine its sovereignty and international standing. However, the claims and counterclaims highlight the deep mistrust and animosity that persist among key actors in the region, casting a shadow over efforts to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation.
As the situation unfolds, observers stress the importance of independent investigations into such allegations to ensure accountability and build confidence among all parties involved. The international community has also been urged to support the reconstruction and reconciliation process while addressing the root causes of the conflict that have left the Horn of Africa in turmoil.
