Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed that Ethiopia will not engage in war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, stressing the need for peaceful negotiations. Rising tensions have sparked fears of conflict, particularly as reports indicate military mobilizations from both countries. A new confrontation could threaten past peace efforts and escalate humanitarian issues in the region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserted on Thursday that Ethiopia intends to avoid conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. This statement comes amid rising concerns over the possibility of war between the two neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea to gain access to the sea,” Abiy communicated through his office on X.
Despite acknowledging the critical nature of Red Sea access for landlocked Ethiopia, Abiy emphasized a desire for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Recent weeks have seen heightened tensions, including reports from a human rights organization about Eritrea initiating full military mobilization. Additionally, diplomatic sources indicated that Ethiopia has dispatched troops to its border, intensifying concerns over potential hostilities.
A renewed conflict between these two powerful African militaries could jeopardize the historic reconciliation that won Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and could trigger a humanitarian crisis amidst the ongoing repercussions of Sudan’s war. Notably, Eritrea had previously allied with Ethiopian federal forces during the Tigray conflict from 2020 to 2022, a war that resulted in significant casualties. Nevertheless, relations have since deteriorated following Eritrea’s exclusion from peace discussions that resolved the conflict in November 2022.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent declarations indicate a commitment to steering clear of war with Eritrea, despite the significance of Red Sea access for Ethiopia. With rising tensions fueled by military maneuvers and past grievances, the focus remains on diplomatic negotiations to prevent further conflict and humanitarian repercussions in the region. The historical context of previous alliances and reconciliations underscores the fragility of peace in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
