This seemingly positive development from Ethiopia’s Tigray region might seem like a hopeful sign at first glance, but tells only part of the story. Amidst these developments in Tigray, Eritrea successfully inserted itself into the showdown as TPLF’s unlikely ally, embracing the logic of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” This strategy is not new for Eritrea’s leadership. The peace deal quickly took a darker turn, revealing the Ethiopia-Eritrea friendship pact as a ruthless war coalition in the Tigray war. The TPLF’s stronghold in Tigray is challenged and lacks the unity and strength it exhibited during the Tigray war. The power struggle in Tigray and Eritrea’s rapprochement with its former enemy serve as early warning signs.