Ethiopia PM Rejects Conflict with Eritrea Over Red Sea Access

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared that his government will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, emphasizing a preference for dialogue. Recent military mobilizations by Eritrea and troop deployments by Ethiopia have raised fears of potential conflict, jeopardizing peace efforts and humanitarian conditions in the region.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has unequivocally stated that his government will not pursue conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. This statement comes amidst rising tensions, as regional officials and experts have expressed concerns about a potential war between the two nations. Abiy emphasized, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea for the purpose of gaining access to the sea,” underscoring a preference for dialogue over warfare.

While the significance of Red Sea access is critical for landlocked Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy insists on addressing the matter through peaceful negotiations rather than through violence. Recent developments have heightened fears of conflict, particularly after Eritrea’s declaration of nationwide military mobilization and the deployment of Ethiopian troops near the border, as reported by various diplomatic sources and officials.

The possibility of renewed hostilities poses a threat to the fragile peace established between the two nations; a conflict would not only jeopardize the progress made since their historic reconciliation but could also lead to a humanitarian crisis in a region severely affected by the ongoing war in Sudan. This reconciliation had previously seen Eritrea support Ethiopian federal forces during the conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which resulted in catastrophic loss of life.

The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea soured again after Eritrea was excluded from negotiations to conclude the Tigray conflict in November 2022. This growing discord has rekindled fears that both nations may return to hostilities, thus endangering the stability of the Horn of Africa and reversing the gains made since Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts in fostering peace.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has ruled out military engagement with Eritrea concerning Red Sea access, promoting dialogue instead. Amid recent military movements by Eritrea and troop deployments by Ethiopia, the potential for conflict remains a pressing concern. The fragile peace established through prior reconciliations faces risks, endangering regional stability and humanitarian conditions. Historical cooperation in the face of conflict illustrates the complexity of relations between the two nations.

Original Source: www.tradingview.com