Former Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew has rejected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s assertion that he sent a message to Asmara demanding an end to Eritrean army atrocities during the Tigray War.

Gedu, who acknowledged that he was dispatched to Eritrea at the time, said the message he received from the Prime Minister focused on “taking collective precautions” against what was described as a “slander campaign related to human rights violations.”

He added that during the conflict, the Eritrean military “worked together” with Ethiopian forces “as if they were one country,” advancing operations as far as Debre Tabor.

The former minister, now a critic of Abiy’s administration, issued the statement in a letter dated Wednesday, February 4, 2025.

Currently in the United States, Gedu confirmed to the BBC that the letter circulating on social media was authentic and issued by him.