Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia does not seek military conflict with Eritrea for sea access, emphasizing diplomatic solutions instead. He highlighted the need for negotiations based on mutual benefit. As tensions rise due to internal political unrest in Tigray, concerns about Eritrea’s involvement have emerged, prompting the need for clarity in regional relations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia affirmed that his country does not intend to engage in military conflict with Eritrea to acquire access to the sea. His remarks followed a previous comment in 2023, where he labeled a seaport as an “existential issue” for Ethiopia, raising concerns about potential aggression. Speaking to parliament, he emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to the longstanding issue of sea access between the two nations.
Abiy Ahmed articulated the importance of resolving maritime access through negotiation and mutual benefit, stating, “Our intention is to negotiate based on the principle of give and take. What the Eritrean people need is development, not conflict.” He maintained that dialogue regarding seaport access is critical, arguing that significant countries require maritime opportunities under global norms.
Concerns have recently emerged regarding the possible resurgence of hostilities in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, which could implicate Eritrean involvement. After a devastating two-year civil war that concluded in November 2022, tensions have resurfaced due to internal strife among Tigrayan politicians, prompting speculation about Eritrea’s role in these issues.
Interim President of Tigray, Getachew Reda, accused rival factions of collaborating with Eritrea, which previously supported the Ethiopian federal government during the civil conflict. Getachew noted, “We have reason to believe external actors are involved,” suggesting that Eritrea may exploit the instability in Tigray for its own objectives.
Osman Saleh, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, firmly rejected these claims while addressing diplomats in Asmara, asserting that Eritrea remains uninvolved in the tensions in northern Ethiopia. Concurrently, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos expressed suspicions regarding one Tigrayan faction’s connections to Eritrea, although he refrained from elaborating on these claims.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in the 1990s, resulting in Ethiopia losing its direct access to the sea, and a subsequent border war ensued between 1998 and 2000. While relations normalized in 2018 following Abiy’s ascension to power, many of the diplomatic advances have since deteriorated, raising concerns about regional stability.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s assertion that Ethiopia seeks a peaceful resolution regarding maritime access to Eritrea forms a crucial standpoint amid rising tensions. His commitment to diplomatic engagement contrasts with escalating fears of conflict linked to internal strife in Tigray and suspected Eritrean influences. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics require careful navigation to foster stability in the region and promote development rather than discord.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
