Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed rules out war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, stressing peaceful negotiations despite rising tensions and military mobilization by Eritrea. Concerns about potential conflict are increasing, threatening regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made it clear that the Ethiopian government does not intend to engage in conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. His declaration comes amid growing concerns about a potential war between the two neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. Abiy shared this insight through a statement via his office on X, emphasizing a commitment to negotiations over military action.
Access to the Red Sea remains a significant issue for Ethiopia, which is landlocked. Despite this, Abiy stressed his government’s preference for a peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than conflict. Recent tensions have escalated following accusations from a human rights organization that Eritrea has initiated full military mobilization.
Additionally, reports suggest that Ethiopian troops have been deployed to the border, raising fears of imminent hostilities. A potential conflict between these two powerful armies could jeopardize the historic reconciliation that was pivotal for Abiy, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, and could lead to a humanitarian crisis in a region already affected by the Sudanese war.
Previously, Eritrea assisted Ethiopian federal forces during the conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from 2020 to 2022, a war that resulted in significant loss of life. However, relations deteriorated after Eritrea was omitted from peace discussions that concluded the TPLF conflict in November 2022, showcasing the fragile nature of peace in the region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly ruled out the possibility of engaging in conflict with Eritrea over maritime access, affirming a commitment to peaceful negotiations. With rising tensions and recent military mobilizations, concerns about renewed hostilities persist. The stability of the region remains at risk, particularly given the history of conflict and humanitarian issues that could follow further confrontations.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
