Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserts Ethiopia’s desire for dialogue over conflict regarding maritime access to the Red Sea, describing it as vital for the nation’s future. He emphasized Ethiopia’s military readiness is defensive, urging peaceful negotiations with Eritrea to avoid unnecessary tensions, amidst growing concerns from both domestic and international figures.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia assured Parliament that the nation harbors no intentions of invading Eritrea to secure access to the Red Sea, describing such access as “existential” for Ethiopia. He advocated for negotiation guided by the principles of mutual benefit and market dynamics, cautioning that evading these discussions could lead to future problems. He stated, “War is unnecessary,” highlighting the importance of dialogue over conflict amidst increasing tensions with Eritrea.
These tensions have been underscored by Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, who expressed his nation’s perplexity over Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and warned against any attempts to realize this goal through military or diplomatic pressure. Furthermore, Tigray Interim Administration officials, including Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, have warned that a potential war appears increasingly likely, with Tigray potentially becoming a central battleground.
U.S. Senator James Risch has echoed these concerns, suggesting that renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia could have dire consequences and called for immediate de-escalation from both nations. In response to various accusations regarding Ethiopia’s stance, Abiy emphasized the need for economic progress rather than hostilities, portraying Eritreans as “brotherly and kind-hearted” individuals with similar development aspirations.
While affirming Ethiopia’s readiness to defend itself against any challenge, Abiy maintained that the military’s deployment is intended as a deterrent rather than an instigation of conflict. His remarks included Ethiopia’s historic role in promoting peace in the region, particularly in neighboring Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
The Prime Minister cautioned against provocations from any side, asserting the potential severity of retaliation if provoked, yet reiterated Ethiopia’s stance of non-aggression. He articulated that the quest for Red Sea access transcends political affiliations, affirming it as a national imperative, particularly for a nation of 130 million striving for economic upliftment.
Abiy called for a resolution of the maritime access issue through peaceful dialogue that benefits all involved parties, stressing the importance of international recognition of Ethiopia’s needs while ensuring mutual advantages for neighboring countries. He concluded by urging for understanding and resolution through dialogue rather than conflict.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has made it clear that Ethiopia does not wish to invade Eritrea but considers access to the Red Sea crucial for national survival. Emphasizing negotiation over conflict, he called for a constructive dialogue and cooperation. The increased tension with Eritrea, amplified by concerns from international actors, calls for urgent de-escalation and mutual efforts to achieve peaceful resolutions. Through strategic dialogue, Ethiopia seeks a collaborative way to ensure that all regional stakeholders benefit from access to maritime resources.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
