Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has denied plans to invade Eritrea, seeking a peaceful resolution to tensions over sea access. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain strained despite a prior peace agreement. Abiy aims to address unrest in Tigray, hinting at possible leadership changes while stressing the need for a coastal solution without military action.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly denied allegations of plans to invade Eritrea, emphasizing that Ethiopia seeks a peaceful resolution amidst increasing tensions regarding access to the sea. Relations have been strained since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, with a brief period of peace following a 2018 agreement now disrupted by Ethiopia’s aspirations for ocean access, particularly concerning Eritrea’s Assab port.
In a statement to parliament, Abiy acknowledged fears of potential conflict but reassured that Ethiopia will not resort to military action to gain access to the Red Sea. He emphasized the necessity for a coastal resolution without aggression towards Eritrea. Asmara has appealed to the international community, urging them to ensure respect for Eritrean sovereignty amidst apprehensions about Ethiopia’s maritime goals.
Despite Eritrea’s previous support for Abiy’s government during the Tigray civil war, tensions have re-emerged due to ongoing instability in Tigray. Abiy expressed optimism regarding the resolution of the crisis, highlighting ongoing discussions with regional stakeholders. The unrest, driven by a power struggle within the interim administration, has heightened concerns about renewed violence in a region already plagued by the remnants of conflict.
Abiy has voiced support for interim administration head Getachew Reda while indicating possible changes in regional governance structures. Recent conflicts have led to Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), regaining control over certain municipalities, raising fears among populations still healing from the previous war’s destructive impacts.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has categorically dismissed the possibility of invading Eritrea, seeking instead a diplomatic path towards a coastal solution. The historical tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, fueled by Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations, remain a focal point of concern. Abiy’s commitment to resolving recent unrest in Tigray, alongside the potential for leadership changes, highlights the complexity of the current political landscape in Ethiopia and its implications for regional stability.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
