Old maps were brought out and a border commission set up. In May 1998, Eritrean troops crossed the border and took control of Badme. Hassouna believes that Eritrean dissidents seeking autonomy encouraged the encroachment. The Tigreans tried to form a state within a state. The invasion turned out to be a windfall for the Ethiopian regime.
War is an effective smokescreen against the increasing delegitimisation of the government.
Oromos are the largest ethnic group in the country, yet they have little say in government and their leaders are persecuted by the Tigrean-dominated regime. Many have fled into exile and the OLF has military bases in neighbouring Kenya. The government also faces opposition from Amharas, the traditional ruling elite, who were ousted in 1991. Amharas give lip service to war. They are happy to see Tigreans fighting each other.