Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declares the nation seeks no war with Eritrea, stressing the importance of diplomatic resolutions for sea access. Tensions in Tigray, fueled by accusations of Eritrean interference, pose challenges to peace. Abiy emphasizes development over conflict and urges negotiations based on mutual benefits.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has asserted that Ethiopia does not seek to instigate a war with Eritrea to gain maritime access. His previous comments in 2023, describing a seaport as an “existential issue” for Ethiopia, raised concerns about the possibility of conflict. During recent parliamentary discussions, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of resolving sea access through diplomacy and mutual benefits.
Abiy articulated a commitment to negotiating terms based on a “give and take” principle, underscoring that the Eritrean population deserves development rather than conflict. He stated, “Our plan is not to fight but to work together and grow together,” advocating for open discussions regarding seaport access.
Amid rising tensions, concerns have emerged regarding a potential resurgence of conflict, particularly involving Eritrea, following a civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region that ended in November 2022. Recently, political tensions in Tigray have escalated, endangering the fragile peace process.
Getachew Reda, Tigray’s Interim President, accused rival factions of colluding with Eritrea, suggesting that Eritrea seeks to exploit instability in Tigray for its interests. However, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh refuted these claims, stating his country “categorically rejects” allegations of interference in Ethiopia’s internal matters.
Further complicating the situation, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos reported suspicions of one Tigrayan faction potentially having connections to Eritrea, although he did not disclose specifics. Following Eritrea’s secession from Ethiopia in the 1990s, relations have historically been tumultuous, but they normalized in 2018 under Abiy’s leadership. Yet, mutual trust and cooperation appear to be diminishing once again.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has firmly stated that the nation does not intend to provoke a war with Eritrea over sea access. He advocates for diplomatic negotiations to ensure mutual development rather than conflict. As tensions rise in the Tigray region, historical accusations of Eritrean interference complicate the political landscape. The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains delicate, highlighting the necessity for continued dialogue and cooperation.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
