Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has rejected the possibility of conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. This statement comes amid growing fears of war following military mobilization in Eritrea and troop deployments in Ethiopia, potentially endangering the historic peace between the nations shaped by Abiy’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning efforts.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has firmly stated that Ethiopia will avoid seeking conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. Amidst concerns voiced by regional officials and experts regarding potential warfare between these neighboring countries, Abiy asserted, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea for the purpose of gaining access to the sea.”
While access to the Red Sea remains a critical issue for landlocked Ethiopia, Abiy emphasized his government’s preference for resolving disputes through dialogue rather than military confrontation. This reassurance comes in light of rising tensions, particularly after Eritrea initiated a nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia fortified its troops along the border.
The heightened risk of conflict threatens to undo the historical peace achieved between the two nations and may lead to a significant humanitarian crisis in the region, already affected by the conflict in Sudan. The previous thawing of relations allowed Eritrea to support Ethiopian federal forces during the devastating Tigray war, which lasted from 2020 to 2022 and resulted in extensive loss of life.
However, ties soured once again after Eritrea was excluded from negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in November 2022, casting doubt on the longevity of their prior peace efforts.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made it clear that Ethiopia is committed to resolving its access to the Red Sea through peaceful dialogues rather than engaging in conflict with Eritrea. The recent military mobilizations and troop deployments raise concerns about escalating tensions. However, the historical achievements of peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea should encourage continued dialogue to prevent a return to armed confrontation and its associated humanitarian consequences.
Original Source: www.tradingview.com
