Ethiopia PM Reaffirms Peaceful Intentions Regarding Eritrea and Red Sea Access

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has stated that he will not initiate conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, advocating for peaceful dialogue instead. This assertion comes amid heightened military tensions and fears of renewed hostilities that could lead to a humanitarian crisis in the region. The historical context includes a previously established rapprochement that risked unraveling after Eritrea was excluded from peace talks in late 2022.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared that his government will not engage in war with Eritrea over the contentious issue of access to the Red Sea. This declaration comes amidst warnings from regional officials and experts who have indicated a potential conflict between the two nations. According to a post by his office on X, Abiy noted, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea for the purpose of gaining access to the sea.”

While acknowledging that access to the Red Sea is critical for landlocked Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the importance of resolving the issue through dialogue rather than conflict. Recent military mobilizations by Eritrea, coupled with Ethiopian troop deployments to the border, have heightened tensions and raised fears of renewed hostilities.

The potential for renewed conflict poses a significant threat, as it could reverse the positive developments in relations that were established when Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Clashes between the two large armies would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in a region already affected by the ongoing war in Sudan.

Historically, the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea led to cooperation during the 2020-2022 conflict against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). However, tensions resurfaced following Eritrea’s exclusion from negotiations that aimed to conclude that conflict in November 2022.

In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving access to the Red Sea through peaceful dialogue, explicitly ruling out military engagement with Eritrea. The potential for conflict remains a concern given recent military movements on both sides, which threaten to destabilize a fragile peace established following years of hostilities. As both nations navigate these intricate relations, the humanitarian implications of renewed conflict remain a critical consideration.

Original Source: www.tradingview.com