Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed reiterated that Ethiopia will not invade Eritrea over maritime access. Despite past cooperation and a peace deal, tensions have resurfaced due to ongoing unrest in Tigray. Abiy expressed confidence that the crisis will be resolved soon while hinting at potential changes in leadership.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that Ethiopia will not invade Eritrea, amid increasing tensions over the desire for access to the sea. The relationship between the two nations has remained unstable since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018, relations have deteriorated due to Ethiopia’s aspirations for ocean access, leading to concerns in Eritrea regarding potential maritime claims.
Abiy addressed parliament, stating, “There are fears that Ethiopia and Eritrea could go to war over access to the sea. But I want to assure you that Ethiopia will not invade Eritrea to get access to the Red Sea.” He emphasized the necessity for a coastal solution, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Eritrea recently urged the global community to pressure Ethiopia to adhere to its sovereignty concerns, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations. Though Eritrea supported Abiy during Ethiopia’s Tigray civil war from 2020 to 2022, tensions have rekindled with ongoing unrest in Tigray, which some analysts predict Eritrea may exploit.
Regarding the disturbances in Tigray, Abiy expressed confidence that the situation would “be resolved shortly,” noting ongoing discussions with key regional stakeholders and hinting at forthcoming announcements. The unrest has origins in a power struggle between Getachew Reda and Debretsion Gebremichael, leaders of rival factions.
Abiy supported Getachew but suggested that leadership adjustments might occur, implying, “There may be changes in the administrators and structures.” Recent confrontations have allowed Debretsion’s forces to gain control over municipalities, raising fears of renewed violence among those still recovering from the impact of the Tigray conflict.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has clarified that Ethiopia will not invade Eritrea amidst fears over maritime access tensions. He advocates for a peaceful resolution while emphasizing the need for a coastal solution. Tensions persist due to unrest in the Tigray region and leadership conflicts, prompting concerns of renewed violence. Abiy’s remarks aim to reassure both domestic and international audiences of Ethiopia’s commitment to peace.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
