Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed reassures that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, emphasizing a dialogue-based resolution. Tensions have escalated following military mobilizations and accusations from both sides. Internal political challenges in Tigray further complicate the situation. Abiy extended the interim administration until 2026, aiming for stability amid ongoing disputes.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has confirmed that Ethiopia will pursue a peaceful approach in its relations with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. He reiterated that Ethiopia has no intentions of initiating conflict over maritime access, emphasizing a preference for dialogue. This statement comes in light of recent tensions and fears of possible warfare between the two nations.
Concerns about military confrontation have grown following Eritrea’s order for nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia’s troop deployments near the border. Eritrea has responded by accusing Ethiopia of harboring ambitions to control the port of Assab, a strategic location for maritime access.
Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, criticized Ethiopia’s motives, stating the country’s desires for maritime access are misguided. He called on the international community to exert pressure on Ethiopia to respect Eritrea’s territorial sovereignty while denying accusations of preparing for war against Ethiopia.
The re-escalation of tensions puts at risk the peace established after the historic rapprochement won by Abiy, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Following the civil war in Tigray and the subsequent peace agreement in November 2022, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated, with increased suspicions stemming from internal political conflicts in Tigray.
Amid ongoing power struggles within Tigray, Abiy announced an extension of the interim administration’s term, pointing towards continued political stability while political factions blame each other for failing to protect the interests of the Tigrayan people. Clarity on future leadership changes or new appointments within the interim administration remains unresolved until the general elections scheduled for 2026.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has committed to a non-conflictual approach with Eritrea over Red Sea access, focusing on dialogue despite rising tensions. Eritrea’s military mobilization and allegations regarding Ethiopia’s ambitions highlight the fragile relations. The historical peace process is in jeopardy amid internal Tigrayan political struggles, necessitating careful navigation of regional diplomacy to avoid a humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
