Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has accused neighbouring Eritrea of sending troops into a disputed area on the border.

There was no immediate independent confirmation, or response from Eritrea.

The minister said Djibouti wanted a peaceful solution but was prepared for conflict if necessary.

It comes after Qatar withdrew its peacekeepers from the border region, apparently because the two East African countries sided with Saudi Arabia in its dispute with the Qataris.

Djibouti and Eritrea fought on the border in 2008 eventually accepting Qatar's offer of mediation and peacekeepers.