Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ruled out war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, advocating for peaceful negotiations instead. Rising military tensions, including a reported mobilization by Eritrea and troop deployments by Ethiopia, have raised concerns about potential conflict, threatening the peace established in recent years. The situation is precarious, with historical ties and humanitarian issues intertwined.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has clearly stated that his government does not intend to go to war with Eritrea over Red Sea access. His declaration comes amid rising fears regarding a possible armed conflict between the two neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. Abiy emphasized, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea to gain access to the sea.”
Although he acknowledged the importance of Red Sea access for landlocked Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving the issue through peaceful negotiations. Recent weeks have witnessed heightened tensions, particularly following allegations that Eritrea has mobilized its military fully, as reported by a human rights organization.
Additionally, there are reports from diplomatic sources indicating that Ethiopia has deployed troops to its border, fueling concerns over a potential escalation in hostilities. A renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea could jeopardize the historic rapprochement that brought Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and could lead to a humanitarian crisis in a region that is already struggling with the aftermath of the Sudanese war.
Eritrea had previously supported the Ethiopian federal forces during the 2020–2022 conflict against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a war that had catastrophic consequences, claiming countless lives. However, relations deteriorated when Eritrea was sidelined from peace negotiations that concluded the conflict in November 2022.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has firmly ruled out the prospect of war with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, opting instead for peaceful negotiations. Despite increasing military tensions between the two nations, Abiy’s commitment to diplomacy and the historical context of their relations underline the need for resolution without conflict. The situation remains precarious, given the humanitarian crises in the region and the past conflicts involving both countries.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
