Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserted that the country does not intend to initiate war with Eritrea over seaport access. Instead, he advocates for negotiations and diplomatic solutions. Amid rising tensions related to the Tigray conflict, he emphasized collaboration over conflict, highlighting the need for mutual development. However, accusations of Eritrean interference in regional politics complicate the situation further.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly stated that his nation has no intention of waging war against neighboring Eritrea for maritime access. This assurance comes despite his earlier remark in 2023 that obtaining a seaport was an “existential issue” for Ethiopia, which raised concerns of military action. During a parliamentary session, he emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to the challenges posed by being the world’s most populous landlocked country.
Prime Minister Abiy underscored the importance of negotiations grounded in mutual benefits, asserting that Eritreans seek development rather than conflict. He articulated, “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 noted that discussions regarding seaport access should not be considered taboo as maritime availability is crucial for large nations.
Amid growing tensions, fears have emerged that the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region could reignite, potentially involving Eritrea. The civil war that lasted two years concluded in November 2022; however, recent political tensions within Tigray have raised alarms. Tigray’s Interim President, Getachew Reda, accused rival factions of collaborating with Eritrea, which had previously aligned with the Ethiopian federal government.
Getachew Reda remarked, “We have reason to believe external actors are involved,” suggesting that Eritrea might exploit Tigray’s turmoil for its own ends. Conversely, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that there was no involvement in the turmoil surrounding Tigray. In a related note, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos informed diplomats that one faction in Tigray allegedly has connections to Eritrea, although specifics were not disclosed.
Eritrea achieved independence from Ethiopia in the 1990s, depriving Ethiopia of direct sea access. The two nations endured a border conflict from 1998 to 2000. While relations improved under Abiy’s leadership in 2018, significant strides toward peace and cooperation have since deteriorated, indicating a complex and fraught relationship.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful diplomatic resolutions regarding maritime access with Eritrea. His statements emphasize the importance of collaboration and coexistence, despite heightened tensions in the region. The historical complexities and recent conflicts underscore the delicate nature of Ethiopia-Eritrea relations, necessitating careful navigation to prevent future hostilities.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
