Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that Ethiopia will not engage in war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, emphasizing dialogue instead. This decision follows regional tensions and military mobilization between the two nations, which could threaten peace and lead to a humanitarian crisis.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated on Thursday that Ethiopia will not pursue military conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. This declaration followed warnings from regional officials and experts about the potential for war between the neighboring countries. Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia does not intend to engage Eritrea in armed conflict over this issue.
He acknowledged the significance of Red Sea access for Ethiopians but expressed a preference for dialogue to resolve the matter peacefully. Recently, fears of an impending war intensified as Eritrea reportedly initiated a national military mobilization, while Ethiopia positioned troops near the border.
The renewed tensions threaten to reverse the historical rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which was instrumental in Abiy receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Recurring clashes could also lead to a humanitarian disaster in a region still grappling with the consequences of the Sudan War.
Eritrea had supported Ethiopian federal forces during the conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front from 2020 to 2022, resulting in significant loss of life. The relationship between the two nations deteriorated again after Eritrea was excluded from the peace talks in November 2022.
In summary, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has firmly rejected the notion of military conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea. Although the issue is vital for Ethiopia, he advocates for dialogue over aggression. The potential for renewed clashes remains a significant concern, especially considering the historical context and humanitarian implications involved.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
