Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Affirms Peaceful Stance Towards Eritrea

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed confirmed that his government will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access. He emphasized a commitment to peaceful negotiations amid rising tensions and military mobilizations. The relationships between the two nations are currently precarious due to recent events and past conflicts.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared on Thursday that his government aims to avoid conflict with Eritrea concerning access to the Red Sea. His remarks come amid rising tensions and fears of a potential war between the two neighboring nations in the Horn of Africa. “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea to gain access to the sea,” he stated via a message posted by his office on X.

Abiy acknowledged the significance of Red Sea access for landlocked Ethiopia but emphasized that his administration is committed to achieving a peaceful resolution through negotiations. Concerns have intensified recently, following reports that Eritrea had mandated full military mobilization, according to a human rights organization.

In addition, unnamed diplomatic sources and officials informed Newsmen that Ethiopia has dispatched troops to its border, heightening fears of imminent hostilities. A renewed clash between the two formidable African armies would jeopardize the historic rapprochement which earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and could potentially trigger a humanitarian crisis in a region already strained by the consequences of Sudan’s war.

Previously, Eritrea provided support to Ethiopian federal forces during the conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from 2020 to 2022, a war that led to devastating loss of life. However, their relations deteriorated after Eritrea was excluded from the peace negotiations that concluded the conflict in November 2022.

In summary, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has affirmed his government’s commitment to peace, ruling out military conflict with Eritrea for access to the Red Sea. Despite rising tensions and military mobilizations, Abiy’s administration seeks a diplomatic resolution. The historical relationship between the two nations remains fragile, particularly after Eritrea’s exclusion from peace talks post-conflict in Tigray, making continued dialogue essential for regional stability.

Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv