Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia will not engage in war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, favoring diplomatic solutions instead. Recent tensions have risen due to Eritrea’s military mobilization and concerns over Ethiopian troop movements at the border. This situation risks escalating into a broader conflict, potentially disrupting regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has clarified that his government does not plan to engage in military conflict with Eritrea concerning access to the Red Sea. Concerned parties have expressed anxiety over the possibility of warfare between these neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. Abiy stated, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea to gain access to the sea.”
He acknowledged the significance of Red Sea access for landlocked Ethiopia, yet emphasized a preference for resolving issues through diplomatic negotiations. Recent tensions have escalated following reported military mobilization orders from Eritrea, which has raised alarms within human rights organizations.
Simultaneously, credible sources indicate that Ethiopia has stationed troops along the border, amplifying concerns regarding potential hostilities. Should armed conflict erupt between these two formidable military powers, it could reverse the historic reconciliation that led to Abiy receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and provoke a humanitarian crisis in a region already affected by the fallout of Sudan’s ongoing war.
Eritrea had previously been an ally to Ethiopia during the 2020-2022 Tigray conflict, assisting federal forces, a war that resulted in a significant loss of life. However, relations became strained again after Eritrea was omitted from the peace negotiations concluding the conflict in November 2022.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ruled out military engagement with Eritrea regarding Red Sea access and emphasized seeking peaceful negotiations. Current geopolitical tensions, highlighted by reported military mobilizations on both sides, could jeopardize regional stability and undo prior efforts toward peace, particularly following the historic reconciliations post-Tigray conflict. The situation necessitates careful diplomatic handling to prevent escalation into conflict.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
