Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia does not desire conflict with Eritrea regarding sea access, advocating for diplomatic solutions. Concerns arise from potential Eritrean influence in Tigray’s political strife following a civil war that ended in 2022. Both nations stress cooperation while addressing underlying tensions and accusations.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has affirmed that Ethiopia does not seek war with Eritrea to acquire access to the sea. Despite expressing in 2023 that obtaining a seaport is an “existential issue” for Ethiopia, he assured parliament that diplomatic means should resolve this matter for the landlocked nation. Abiy emphasized his government’s intention to foster cooperation based on mutual benefit, stating, “Our intention is to negotiate based on the principle of give and take. What the Eritrean people need is development, not conflict.”
Amid heightened tensions, there are fears that renewed conflict may arise between Ethiopia and Eritrea, particularly following the civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region that ended in November 2022. Political disagreements have resurfaced, leading to concerns of Eritrean interference in Tigray’s internal affairs. Tigray’s Interim President, Getachew Reda, accused rival factions of colluding with Eritrean authorities to exploit the chaos for their own advantage.
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh has rejected allegations of involvement in Ethiopian tensions, emphasizing his country’s non-involvement. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos expressed concerns regarding potential links between one Tigray faction and Eritrea. Since Eritrea’s independence in the 1990s, which stripped Ethiopia of its coastline, relations between the two countries have been tumultuous but were normalized in 2018 following Abiy’s ascension to power, although many positive developments have since unwound.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has clarified Ethiopia’s stance against initiating conflict with Eritrea for maritime access, promoting diplomatic channels instead. Despite past tensions and recent allegations of interference, both sides currently emphasize the need for cooperation over confrontation, even as regional political dynamics remain complex and fraught with potential for conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
