Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia will not pursue war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, emphasizing dialogue instead. Recent military mobilizations by Eritrea and troop deployments by Ethiopia have raised fears of conflict, which could undo the peace established after years of hostilities. Continued diplomatic efforts are necessary to maintain stability in the region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia will not engage in military conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. This declaration follows concerns raised by regional officials and experts about the potential for war between the two neighboring nations. Abiy emphasized that while maritime access is crucial for Ethiopia, the government prefers a resolution through dialogue rather than armed confrontation.
Recent tensions were exacerbated when Eritrea reportedly initiated a national military mobilization, while Ethiopia dispatched troops to the border. Such military escalations pose a risk to the fragile peace established in the region, particularly following the historic rapprochement that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Recurring violence could lead to a humanitarian crisis, especially given the ongoing struggles resulting from the recent Sudan War.
The two nations experienced notable collaboration during the conflict involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and Ethiopia’s Central Government from 2020 to 2022, wherein Eritrea supported Ethiopian forces. However, relations soured after Eritrea was excluded from peace discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in late 2022. The current situation demands cautious diplomatic engagement to avoid inflaming tensions further.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s rejection of military action against Eritrea underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes over Red Sea access. Current tensions, arising from military mobilizations and troop movements, threaten the precarious peace achieved in recent years. Both nations must engage diplomatically to prevent the resurgence of conflict, which could have devastating consequences for the region.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
