Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ruled out conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, emphasizing a commitment to dialogue. Rising tensions, including military mobilizations, have raised fears of war. Internally, Ethiopia faces challenges in the Tigray region, complicating the political landscape. Abiy confirmed the interim administration’s extension until the 2026 election, as international relations remain strained amid regional geopolitical issues.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that his country will not engage in conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea, despite rising tensions. He emphasized the importance of resolving issues through peaceful dialogue rather than military confrontation. This statement comes in response to increasing fears of war following Eritrea’s military mobilization and troop deployments by Ethiopia near the border.
Ethiopia’s ambition for Red Sea access remains a contentious issue, with Eritrea expressing frustration over what it perceives as Ethiopia’s aggressive intentions towards the port of Assab. Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, criticized Ethiopia, calling its ambitions naïve and encouraged the international community to enforce respect for Eritrean sovereignty.
Heightened military presence from both nations threatens to unravel the peace established after the 2018 rapprochement, which was pivotal in Abiy’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. A renewed military engagement between Ethiopia and Eritrea could have dire humanitarian consequences for the Horn of Africa, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The dynamics in Ethiopia’s post-civil war Tigray region further complicate matters, where internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are emerging. The federal government’s support for TPLF might be strained by accusations of disloyalty among factions, with implications for Eritrean relations lingering in the background. Abiy confirmed the interim administration of Tigray will continue until the next scheduled election in 2026, amidst ongoing political disputes in the region.
In summary, Ethiopia’s commitment to peace with Eritrea is evident in Prime Minister Abiy’s recent statements, striving to foster dialogue amidst rising tensions. However, underlying conflicts in the Tigray region and broader geopolitical dynamics present substantial challenges that require careful management to avert further discord.
In conclusion, Ethiopia has pledged to pursue peaceful resolution with Eritrea concerning Red Sea access, countering fears of imminent conflict. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government remains focused on dialogue while navigating complex domestic political dynamics, particularly in Tigray. As tensions mount, the prospect of renewed hostilities poses significant risks to regional stability, underscoring the need for diplomatic engagement and international support.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
