Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed states that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, promoting dialogue instead. Concerns over military mobilization by Eritrea and troop deployments by Ethiopia have raised tensions. Despite these fears, Abiy emphasizes the importance of peace and stability in the region, particularly with upcoming elections and the challenges facing the Tigray administration.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has explicitly stated that his country will not pursue conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. In light of rising tensions, he emphasized a commitment to dialogue as the means to address this critical issue. Abiy’s remarks reflect Ethiopia’s intent to avoid military confrontation despite the significant importance of Red Sea access for the landlocked nation.
Concerns regarding potential hostilities have heightened following Eritrea’s nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia’s troop deployments near the border, as reported by various sources. Despite Ethiopia’s desires for maritime access, Eritrean officials have expressed frustration, accusing Ethiopia of harboring outdated ambitions in pursuit of naval access.
Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, criticized Ethiopia’s approach and called for international intervention to uphold Eritrea’s sovereignty. The issues surrounding maritime access have sparked fears of escalating conflict, which could jeopardize the peace established after the historic rapprochement that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
Clashes between Eritrea and Ethiopia’s military would represent a tragic reversal of progress in a region still recovering from the war in Sudan. The dynamics between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian government, complicated by changes following a peace deal last year, have further strained relations. The competition for control in Tigray could exacerbate tensions as factions accuse each other of betrayal.
In response to these challenges, Abiy announced an extension of the interim administration in Tigray for another year, signaling ongoing political volatility in the region. He referenced the need for stability leading up to the upcoming elections planned for 2026, yet provided no specifics regarding potential leadership changes that could address dissident demands.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution concerning its access to the Red Sea, rejecting any notion of conflict with Eritrea. As regional tensions continue to escalate, driven by military mobilizations and political disputes, the focus remains on dialogue and stability. Continued monitoring of the situation is essential, particularly in light of the intertwined fates of Tigray’s political factions and their implications for peace in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
