Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that his government will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, advocating for peaceful dialogue amid growing tensions and military mobilizations by both nations. The situation poses risks of renewed conflict and humanitarian crises, reversing the progress made through recent rapprochement efforts.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed formally stated that Ethiopia seeks to avoid conflict with Eritrea concerning access to the Red Sea. This announcement followed warnings from regional officials that tensions might escalate into war. According to Abiy, the government is committed to resolving the issue through dialogue rather than military intervention, despite the critical nature of Red Sea access for the landlocked nation.
Concerns about potential war increased after Eritrea enacted a nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia moved troops near the border. Such escalating tensions could undo the progress made during a historic rapprochement, which earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Renewed hostilities pose significant risks, potentially leading to a humanitarian crisis in a region already affected by the conflict in Sudan.
The previous thaw in relations saw Eritrea support Ethiopian federal forces in the war against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) between 2020 and 2022, resulting in considerable fatalities. However, relations soured again after Eritrea’s exclusion from peace negotiations to conclude the Tigray conflict in November 2022, marking a significant step back in the reconciliation process.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has asserted Ethiopia’s intention to avoid war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, advocating for peaceful dialogue instead. Growing military movements by both nations have raised alarms, threatening to reverse progress made since 2019 and potentially create a humanitarian disaster. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to navigate these complex relationships.
Original Source: www.tradingview.com
