Ethiopia Declares No Intent to Conflict with Eritrea Over Red Sea Access

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed rules out conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, advocating for dialogue. Tensions have risen due to military mobilizations, yet Abiy emphasizes peace. Eritrean officials challenge Ethiopia’s ambitions and urge international pressure. Internal strife persists in Tigray, complicating the region’s stability.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has explicitly stated that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea. Amid rising tensions, he emphasized a commitment to resolving issues through peaceful dialogue instead of warfare, despite acknowledging that Red Sea access is an essential matter for the landlocked nation.

Recent regional fears have escalated due to Eritrea’s nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia’s military movements towards the border, which have raised concerns about potential conflict. Prime Minister Abiy reiterated his government’s preference for diplomatic solutions, aiming to foster stability in the Horn of Africa.

Eritrean officials, including Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel, criticized Ethiopia’s motivations as misguided and called for international intervention to uphold Eritrea’s territorial sovereignty. Gebremeskel characterized allegations of Eritrea preparing for war against Ethiopia as unfounded, underscoring the need for dialogue rather than military confrontation.

The situation remains complex, particularly due to the historical context of the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Renewed hostilities could jeopardize the peace that resulted in Abiy’s Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, especially given the humanitarian challenges following the recent civil conflict in Tigray.

Ethiopia’s interim administration in Tigray is also facing internal strife, as competing factions vie for control amid allegations of disloyalty. Abiy announced that the interim administration’s term has been extended for another year, indicating that the political dynamics in Tigray will continue to evolve until the next general election in 2026.

In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared Ethiopia’s intent to avoid conflict with Eritrea regarding Red Sea access, advocating for peaceful dialogue instead. Amid rising tensions and accusations from Eritrea, the situation remains sensitive, particularly within the context of ongoing internal divisions in Tigray. The stability of the region hinges on diplomatic resolutions to prevent a resurgence of hostilities.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com