Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos asserts the government will avoid inflammatory rhetoric towards Eritrea despite increasing tensions. He stressed the need for peaceful relations while addressing military mobilization in Eritrea and controversial remarks from Eritrean leadership. An op-ed by Ethiopian MP Dina Mufti suggested Eritrea is undermining Ethiopia by supporting adversarial groups. The situation remains complex and fraught with mistrust.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos emphasized the country’s commitment to peaceful relations with Eritrea, even amid rising tensions between the two nations. “We have not entered into a war of words with Eritrea despite provocation from the other side,” he stated during a parliamentary session on Thursday while delivering a performance report from the Ministry.
He addressed lawmakers’ inquiries, highlighting that some nations appear uncomfortable with Ethiopia striving to foster cordial ties with its neighbors. Specifically, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated in recent years, intensifying as Ethiopia seeks improved access to maritime routes. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration has made it clear that they are evaluating “all options,” raising alarm over a potential conflict, notably concerning Eritrea.
In light of these developments, Eritrea has commenced military mobilization, urging citizens under the age of 60 to join the armed forces. Observers regard this initiative as a strategic response to Ethiopian maneuvers regarding maritime ambitions. Eritrean officials have labeled Ethiopia’s efforts as “misguided,” which underscores the persistent mutual suspicion.
Gedion’s remarks follow Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s recent controversial assertions, wherein he accused Ethiopia of attempting to destabilize the regional stability. In an apparent contradiction to Gedion’s measured tone, Ethiopian MP and former Foreign Affairs official Dina Mufti published an op-ed this week accusing Eritrea of aiding insurgent factions opposed to the Ethiopian government and orchestrating plans to incite chaos by aligning ethnic militias from Tigray and Amhara regions.
In summary, Gedion Timotheos, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, has reiterated a non-confrontational approach towards Eritrea amid escalating tensions. While maintaining a diplomatic front, the backdrop of military mobilization from Eritrea and accusations by both sides highlights significant friction. As Ethiopia pursues maritime access, the potential for conflict looms large, posing challenges to regional stability.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
