Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has ruled out conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, asserting a preference for dialogue amidst rising tensions. Despite Eritrean military mobilizations and allegations of Ethiopian territorial ambitions, Abiy remains committed to a peaceful approach. The ongoing political instability in Tigray adds complexity to the situation.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has asserted that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea. This declaration, made amidst rising concerns of potential war, emphasizes Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue. Abiy stated, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea for the purpose of gaining access to the sea.”
Despite being landlocked, Ethiopia’s government aims to address its aspirations for maritime access peacefully. However, recent military mobilizations by Eritrea and troop movements by Ethiopia raised alarms about renewed hostilities. Diplomatic sources have reported these tensions closely watched by international observers.
Eritrea’s government criticized Ethiopia’s aspirations, accusing it of outdated ambitions and demanding respect for its sovereignty. Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel remarked on social media, urging the international community to act against what he termed Ethiopia’s unwarranted desires for maritime access.
Additionally, the region faces lingering instability following the civil war between Ethiopia’s Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian government. The peace agreement of November 2022 exacerbated tensions, as Eritrea was sidelined from discussions. Recent moves by varying factions within the TPLF have complicated the political landscape, adding another layer of uncertainty.
While Prime Minister Abiy extended the Tigray interim administration’s term, the situation remains fluid with internal divisions complicating governance. He highlighted the importance of moving forward toward the next general election scheduled for 2026, underlining the government’s stance on maintaining stability amidst ongoing conflict considerations.
The Ethiopian government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is actively pursuing a peaceful resolution regarding access to the Red Sea, eschewing conflict with Eritrea. Despite military tensions in the region, Abiy’s administration emphasizes dialogue over confrontation. The political situation within Tigray and its implications for Ethiopia-Eritrea relations further complicates the landscape, showcasing the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and foster stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
