Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated the country does not seek war with Eritrea for maritime access. He calls for diplomatic resolutions to these issues, emphasizing a mutual benefit approach. Tensions in Tigray raise concerns regarding potential conflict, but both nations have a history of seeking collaboration. Allegations of Eritrean interference complicate relations further, despite denials from Eritrean officials.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, has reaffirmed that his country does not seek to initiate war with Eritrea to secure maritime access. His remarks come after a 2023 statement regarding the necessity of a seaport stirred anxiety about possible military actions. In addressing parliament, he emphasized that issues regarding sea access should be approached through diplomacy rather than conflict, advocating for a resolution that benefits both nations.
Abiy underscored the importance of negotiation, stating, “Our intention is to negotiate based on the principle of give and take. What the Eritrean people need is development, not conflict.” He maintained that discussions about obtaining a seaport ought not to be stigmatized, as international standards recognize maritime access as essential for large nations.
Recent tensions have raised fears of renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, particularly due to unrest in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. A civil war that ended in late 2022 has seen the peace agreement’s elements become tenuous, with allegations regarding Eritrean interference emerging.
Getachew Reda, the Interim President of Tigray, accused regional rivals of collaborating with Eritrea, claiming external actors exploit the unrest for their gain. In response, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh firmly denied any involvement. However, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos expressed concerns about potential connections between certain Tigrayan factions and Eritrea, without specifying further details.
Eritrea attained independence from Ethiopia in the 1990s, following which the latter lost its access to the sea. Following a destructive border conflict from 1998 to 2000, relations began to improve after Abiy’s ascension to power in 2018; however, the progress made has faced significant setbacks since then.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister has made it clear that the government does not intend to pursue a military solution for attaining access to the sea. Through diplomatic efforts and collaboration, Ethiopia seeks to stabilize its relation with Eritrea. Despite fears of renewed conflict, particularly linked to the internal divisions in Tigray, the emphasis remains on dialogue. However, allegations of external interference complicate the situation, underscoring the fragile nature of peace in the region.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
