Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed declared that Ethiopia has no intention to invade Eritrea for Red Sea access, which he termed “existential”. He stressed the importance of negotiations and warned against the consequences of ignoring these discussions. Amidst regional tensions, Abiy emphasized defense readiness while advocating for peace, development, and mutual benefits in discussions about maritime access.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conveyed in parliament that Ethiopia does not aim to “invade” Eritrea for Red Sea access, describing it as an “existential” issue for the nation. He stressed the need for negotiation, emphasizing solutions that align with market principles to benefit the people. Abiy warned that neglecting discussions could lead to future problems, advocating for dialogue over conflict and stating, “War is unnecessary.”
His statements come during a period of increased tension with Eritrea, which recently expressed confusion over Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions through Foreign Minister Osman Saleh. Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae and other Tigray officials have suggested an impending war, seeing Tigray as a likely battleground. U.S. Senator James Risch also raised concerns, stressing the potential catastrophic effects of renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia and encouraged both nations to de-escalate tensions.
Abiy refuted claims of aggression towards Eritrea, insisting that accusations lack merit and portraying Eritreans as kindred spirits seeking development. He noted Ethiopia’s military posture is one of defense, stating, “We do not have any fear—this must be underlined,” with readiness to respond to provocations but emphasizing, “We have no desire to start a conflict.”
He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering peace and development in the region, highlighting the country’s efforts in conflicts in Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Abiy warned against provocations, indicating that significant retaliation would follow any aggression, while maintaining that Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access is a national priority, critical for its population and economic aspirations.
Abiy emphasized the importance of finding a “peaceful and mutually beneficial solution” for maritime access, calling on the international community to recognize Ethiopia’s needs while also ensuring it benefits its neighbors, emphasizing the necessity of eventual dialogue and understanding in resolving this issue.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has clearly stated that his country does not seek to invade Eritrea despite heightened tensions surrounding access to the Red Sea. He advocates for negotiation over conflict and emphasizes Ethiopia’s military preparedness for defense, not aggression. Abiy’s call for a peaceful resolution illustrates his commitment to economic development and cooperation, urging international support for Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions while urging mutual benefits for the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
