Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed clarified that Ethiopia does not intend to wage war with Eritrea over maritime access. He called for diplomatic negotiations focused on development and mutual benefit. Amid rising tensions and fears of renewed conflict, especially concerning Tigray, both nations confront historical complexities in their relationship, with Abiy advocating for collaboration rather than aggression.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserted that Ethiopia does not seek to initiate conflict with Eritrea in its pursuit of maritime access. Previously, he remarked in 2023 that obtaining a seaport is an essential matter for Ethiopia, which raised alarms regarding potential military aggression. Thus, during his recent remarks to parliament, he sought to alleviate these worries, emphasizing that both nations should resolve the issue of sea access through diplomatic means and collaborative growth.
Abiy emphasized the importance of negotiation based on mutual benefits, stating, “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.” He further noted that discussions on seaport access should be considered legitimate, aligning with global understandings that significant nations require maritime channels.
Concerns have recently escalated regarding the possibility of renewed conflict stemming from issues in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, which could involve Eritrea. Following the brutal civil war that ended in November 2022, tensions have resurfaced as political disputes gain traction, with Eritrea allegedly meddling in Tigray’s internal politics. Tigray’s Interim President, Getachew Reda, accused elements within his region of collaborating with Eritrea, claiming instability is advantageous for their agenda.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, however, vehemently refuted these allegations, stating that the country “categorically rejects” claims of involvement in the affairs of northern Ethiopia. Additionally, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos indicated suspicions about potential ties between certain Tigray factions and Eritrea, though he withheld further information.
Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in the 1990s resulted in Ethiopia losing its direct seacoast access. The situation escalated into a two-year border conflict beginning in 1998. Although relations improved significantly following Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018, many of the beneficial changes have since diminished, leaving lingering uncertainty between the two nations.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving maritime access through diplomacy rather than conflict. His remarks come amid rising tensions and allegations regarding Eritrea’s interference in Tigray’s politics. While reaffirming the need for collaborative growth, he responded to fears of renewed aggression by advocating for negotiation. As historical complexities between Ethiopia and Eritrea evolve, the priority remains on avoiding conflict and fostering development for mutual benefit.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
