Ethiopia Ensures Peaceful Resolution with Eritrea Regarding Red Sea Access

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ruled out conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, emphasizing dialogue as the path forward. Recent military mobilization by Eritrea and troop movements by Ethiopia have raised tensions, yet both leaders seek to avoid war. The precarious political environment following the Tigray civil conflict further complicates regional stability.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has officially stated that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, despite ongoing tensions and fears of war. He emphasized that Ethiopia intends to resolve access issues through dialogue rather than military action. Abiy acknowledged that while access to the sea is crucial for landlocked Ethiopia, their approach will remain peaceful.

Recent tensions escalated when Eritrea mandated a nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia positioned troops near the border. The situation has raised concerns about a possible military confrontation, especially with Eritrea accused of harboring resentment towards Ethiopia’s aspirations for accessing the Red Sea, notably the port of Assab. Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel criticized Ethiopia’s ambitions and urged the international community to safeguard Eritrea’s sovereignty.

The possibility of renewed conflict poses a threat to the fragile peace established after the civil war in Tigray and could endanger humanitarian conditions in the region. The civil war, which involved Eritrean forces assisting Ethiopia’s federal government against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), created a complex political landscape. Recent disputes among TPLF factions regarding control over the interim administration of Tigray have exacerbated regional instability.

In parliament, Abiy announced an extension of the Tigray interim administration’s term for another year, affirming that it would last until the scheduled general election in 2026. He did not specify any changes to leadership positions, although there are demands for such adjustments.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed his commitment to peace in the region, stating that conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access is not an option. The ongoing tensions, marked by military preparations on both sides, underscore the risks of a return to conflict, potentially undermining the peace achieved after the Tigray conflict. Furthermore, internal disagreements within the TPLF complicate the administration of the region, emphasizing the need for dialogue and stability among neighboring countries.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com