Ethiopian PM: Eritrea behind plot to attack AU summit

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
February 3, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) - In fresh accusations, Ethiopia has laid fresh accusations against arch-foe Eritrea for conspiring to perform bomb attacks during the Africa Union (AU) summit held last week in the capital, Addis Ababa.

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi (Getty)

Australia warned of high terror risk during the 30-31 January,16th Ordinary Session of the African Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa. A few days earlier to the warning, Ethiopia said it had thwarted a “terrorist attack”. Ethiopian officials said that security forces had arrested seven Eritrean-sent “terrorists” who were in possession of large amount of powerful explosives. However, at the time Ethiopian authorities did not state that the plot was targeted at the AU summit.
“Eritrea sent its missionaries [non-religious] to perpetuate massive bomb attacks during or after the African Summit” Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told parliament on Thursday.
According to the premier, the Eritrean militants were trained and armed for a “terror” mission by the Eritrean government. He said they departed from the Eritrean port town of Asab, crossed the border to Ethiopia before they were arrested in Bati, a village near the Afar region, bordering Eritrea.
Zenawi also accused Eritrea of being a major destabilising factor and stumbling block to peace in the region.
He went on to say that Eritrea is also arming and sending “terrorists” into Djibouti soil to create sabotage ahead of country’s April elections process.
In 2009, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on Eritrea, accusing the red sea nation of backing Islamist insurgents in Somalia.
The resolution places an arms embargo on Eritrea, and also imposes travel bans and asset freezes on businesses and individuals.
Eritrean officials have repeatedly dismissed the allegations, calling them a "fabrication" of US intelligence. The resolution was backed by 13 votes to 15. China abstained while Libya, the only Arab council member, voted against.