The tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia can be traced back to various historical, political, and territorial factors, but one key event that exacerbated these tensions was the Eritrean War of Independence. The war lasted from 1961 to 1991, during which Eritrean separatist groups fought against Ethiopian control and sought independence. After decades of conflict, Eritrea finally gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993. However, disputes over border regions, economic issues, and ongoing power struggles continued to fuel animosity between the two countries. In 1998, a border war broke out between Eritrea and Ethiopia, resulting in thousands of casualties and further deepening the rift between the two nations. The conflict was only officially resolved in 2018, but tensions still simmer beneath the surface.
