Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that the country does not wish to engage in war with Eritrea over sea access. He urged for diplomatic negotiations instead of military confrontation, emphasizing mutual benefits. Concerns regarding Eritrea’s involvement in Tigray’s internal issues were raised, with accusations exchanged between officials from both countries.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has asserted that the nation does not intend to initiate war with Eritrea, despite its landlocked status. His recent remarks followed a statement made in 2023, which suggested that securing a seaport was a matter of significant importance for Ethiopia. Concerns have resurfaced regarding potential conflict between the two nations due to their historically tense relationship.
During his address to parliament, Abiy emphasized the importance of resolving sea access issues through diplomatic means rather than military action. He stated, “Our intention is to negotiate based on the principle of give and take. What the Eritrean people need is development, not conflict. Our plan is not to fight but to work together and grow together.”
Despite advocating for negotiation, the Prime Minister noted that discussions surrounding access to a seaport should be open and not considered controversial, as it aligns with international practices suggesting that larger nations require maritime access. Recently, there have been rising fears of renewed violence related to the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which had previously caused immense casualties.
Although a two-year civil war concluded in November 2022, tensions have resurfaced with accusations of Eritrean involvement in Tigray’s internal strife. Getachew Reda, the Interim President of Tigray, claimed that rival factions are collaborating with Eritrea, aiming to exploit the instability for their own gain. Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, refuted these accusations, asserting his nation’s disassociation from the conflict.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos further indicated suspicions regarding potential ties between certain factions in Tigray and Eritrea but refrained from providing detailed evidence. Following Eritrea’s secession from Ethiopia in the 1990s and the ensuing border war, relations were normalized in 2018; however, recent developments have raised concerns over a potential regression of this relationship.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has expressed a desire for diplomatic resolutions concerning the country’s access to the sea, explicitly stating a commitment to avoid military conflict with Eritrea. The ongoing tensions in the Tigray region have complicated the relationship, with mutual accusations of interference. Both nations must carefully navigate these challenges to foster stability and development in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
