Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ruled out war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, emphasizing peaceful negotiations despite rising tensions due to military mobilizations. The necessity for diplomacy is underscored by the potential risks of conflict, particularly after a historic reconciliation that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserted on Thursday that his administration does not intend to pursue conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. His remarks were made amid rising concerns about a possible war between the neighboring countries. “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea to gain access to the sea,” Abiy stated, emphasizing his commitment to peaceful negotiations.
The issue of access to the Red Sea is crucial for landlocked Ethiopia. Abiy reiterated his administration’s goal of resolving the matter diplomatically, rather than through military means. Recent developments have heightened tensions, with reports indicating that Eritrea has initiated a full military mobilization, according to a human rights organization.
Moreover, sources indicated that Ethiopia has stationed troops at the border, raising alarm over potential escalating hostilities. A renewed confrontation between these significant African military forces would not only jeopardize the historic reconciliation that contributed to Abiy receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 but could also trigger a humanitarian crisis in a region still recovering from the impacts of the war in Sudan.
Eritrea’s involvement previously evidenced support for Ethiopian federal forces during the conflict between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian government from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in a staggering loss of lives. However, relations have since deteriorated after Eritrea was excluded from peace discussions that concluded the conflict in November 2022.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has emphatically ruled out the possibility of war with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, advocating instead for peaceful negotiations. While tensions have escalated due to military mobilization and border troop deployments, Abiy’s administration prioritizes diplomatic solutions to prevent further regional destabilization and humanitarian crises. The historical context of their relationship underscores the importance of maintaining peace in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
