Eritrean troops are within Eritrean territories that were awarded to Eritrea by the United Nations-backed Algiers Agreement [1]. The claims against Eritrea are baseless. This comes from the same Ethiopia that occupied hundreds of square kilometers of Eritrean land—such as Northern Irob and Badme—for over 20 years before signing the 2018 agreement to vacate those Eritrean territories [2].
Even maps used by the United Nations, the CIA World Factbook Eritrea map, and online geolocation tools like Mapcarta (with GPS coordinates) show that the majority of the disputed territories, which Ethiopia occupied, are part of Eritrea, including Badme, Northern Irob, Tserona, Serha, Gulomakeda, and others [3].
References
[1] The Algiers Agreement (signed December 12, 2000) established the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC). The EEBC’s final and binding decision (April 13, 2002) awarded Badme and relevant western/central sector areas (including parts associated with Northern Irob) to Eritrea based on colonial treaties (1900, 1902, 1908).
Permanent Court of Arbitration – EEBC Decision (2002)
UN Reports of International Arbitral Awards – EEBC Full Decision (2002)
[2] Ethiopia occupied Badme and adjacent areas (including parts of Northern Irob) after the 1998–2000 war for approximately 20 years. The 2018 Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship included Ethiopia’s acceptance of the EEBC ruling and commitments to withdraw from awarded Eritrean territories.
Wikipedia – 2018 Eritrea–Ethiopia Summit (citing primary documents)
UN Peacemaker – Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship (2018)
[3] UN-deposited EEBC maps (2002), CIA World Factbook Eritrea maps (reflecting international boundaries), and geolocation tools like Mapcarta (with GPS coordinates for Badme at approx. 37.8046°E, etc.) place Badme, Northern Irob, Tserona, Serha, and Gulomakeda on the Eritrean side per the EEBC ruling and colonial treaties (on-ground control has fluctuated historically).
CIA World Factbook – Eritrea (includes border map references)
Mapcarta – Badme (GPS: 37.8046°E, located in Eritrea)
UN RIAA – EEBC Central Sector Map (2002)
[4] Ongoing border tensions in early 2026 involve mutual accusations amid unresolved EEBC implementation and regional dynamics, with Eritrea defending positions based on the Algiers/EEBC award. International observers note risks but emphasize diplomatic resolution per existing agreements.
International Crisis Group – CrisisWatch January/February 2026 (notes persistent tensions despite reduced rhetoric)
Vision of Humanity – Ethiopia and Eritrea: Understanding the Risk of Renewed Conflict (Dec 2025, updated context)