Ethiopian Prime Minister Affirms No Conflict with Eritrea Over Red Sea Access

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has rejected the idea of war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, advocating for dialogue instead. Rising tensions have prompted military mobilizations in both nations, raising concerns about potential conflict. Abiy’s stance is critical for maintaining peace following recent challenges to the reconciliation efforts that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has definitively stated that his government will avoid conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. This announcement follows regional warnings about the potential for conflict between these long-time adversaries. Abiy emphasized that while securing access to the sea is critical for Ethiopians, his government prefers a resolution through diplomatic dialogue rather than armed confrontation.

Concerns about an outbreak of war have recently escalated, especially after Eritrea implemented a national military mobilization, while Ethiopia positioned troops near the border. Diplomatic channels have acknowledged these tensions, which heighten the risk of renewed clashes between the two nations’ formidable military forces. Such conflict could jeopardize the peaceful reconciliation efforts that contributed to Abiy receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, threatening a humanitarian crisis in a region still recovering from the Sudan War’s repercussions.

The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea deteriorated again after Eritrea was excluded from peace negotiations in November 2022, following its support of Ethiopian federal forces during the Tigray conflict from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in substantial casualties. The current climate suggests that both nations need to engage constructively to maintain stability and prevent further humanitarian crises.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed his government’s stance against engaging in military conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access. Emphasizing diplomacy as a preferred method for resolution, he highlights the gravity of maintaining peace to avert humanitarian disasters. The historical tensions characterized by prior military mobilizations and regional dynamics necessitate careful navigation to sustain relations between the neighboring nations.

Original Source: www.marinelink.com