Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea for Red Sea access. He aims to resolve the situation through dialogue. Recent military mobilization by Eritrea and troop movements by Ethiopia have heightened concerns of war, jeopardizing the peace established in recent years and risking humanitarian crises.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that Ethiopia will not resort to military conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea. This announcement follows regional warnings regarding the risk of war between these long-standing adversaries. Abiy emphasized that, despite the critical importance of Red Sea access for Ethiopia, the government is committed to resolving the matter through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Recent tensions have emerged as Eritrea reportedly initiated a national military mobilization, while Ethiopia deployed troops to the border. This situation has raised alarm among diplomatic officials and security experts, suggesting a potential for renewed clashes between the two nations’ formidable militaries. The consequences of warfare could jeopardize the positive relations that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and could lead to humanitarian crises in an already fragile region.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea deteriorated again following Eritrea’s exclusion from peace discussions aimed at resolving the civil conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which saw extensive violence between 2020 and 2022. The support Eritrea provided in that conflict contributed to significant loss of life and ongoing challenges in the region.
In conclusion, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has firmly rejected the possibility of war with Eritrea over Red Sea access. He advocates for dialogue as a means to navigate this critical issue. The backdrop of military mobilization and recent tensions highlights the fragile nature of peace in the Horn of Africa, with potential ramifications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
