A veteran soldier from Eritrea, a nation often compared to North Korea for its secrecy, is living in fear that another devastating war could erupt with its longtime rival, Ethiopia. Having experienced the horrors of battle twice before, he now prays for peace as tensions rise once more on the fractious Horn of Africa.
A Veteran's Haunting Memories of Past Wars
The man, who we will call Tewolde to protect his identity, is in his forties and resides in the Eritrean capital, Asmara. His first taste of war came in the late 1990s during the brutal border conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, a war that claimed tens of thousands of lives.
More recently, he was called to fight again during the fierce clashes against rebels in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, where Eritrean forces were deeply involved. These experiences have left him with a profound dread of renewed hostilities.
Rising Tensions and the Fear of Fresh Conflict
Now, the two rival nations have begun trading sharp accusations and warnings, with each side blaming the other for war-mongering. This escalation in rhetoric has sparked deep anxiety among citizens who have already suffered immensely.
"If the war starts, many people will go to the front and, as before, many children will lose their fathers, mothers will lose their husbands, parents will lose their children," Tewolde said, summarizing the grim cycle of loss he has witnessed firsthand.
The Human Cost of Enduring Rivalry
Speaking from a country described by international rights groups as one of the world's most closed societies, Tewolde's voice carries the weight of painful experience. "We've already experienced this (before) and we know the losses are severe," he stated.
His decision to use a false name underscores the repressive environment in Eritrea, often labeled the 'North Korea of Africa'. His fears reflect the broader apprehension in a region where diplomatic disputes have repeatedly spilled over into bloody conflict, devastating families and communities for generations.
The situation remains tense, with the international community watching closely to see if the two Horn of Africa nations can step back from the brink and choose dialogue over confrontation, sparing people like Tewolde from enduring war for a third time.
