Ethiopia’s Maj. Gen. Belay Seyoum’s comments confirming the military presence were published Wednesday.

“An alien army, we didn’t want, came in,” Seyoum said in the translated remarks. “We know the problems that are being raised. It’s painful, but who let them in?” Seyoum emphasized that the forces were not welcome, adding: “My conscience does not allow me to say, ‘Eritrean army, come and help us!’ We can solve our own problems on our own.”