Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia does not seek war with Eritrea over access to the sea, advocating for diplomatic solutions instead. Recent tensions, particularly involving Tigray, raise concerns, yet Abiy emphasized development over conflict. Eritrea’s officials denied allegations of interference in Ethiopia’s internal politics, while suspicions remain regarding connections between Tigray factions and Eritrea.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has asserted that the nation has no intention of initiating war with Eritrea, despite Ethiopia being landlocked. Abiy’s previous remark in 2023, which labeled access to a seaport as an “existential issue,” raised alarms regarding potential military actions to seize one. On Thursday, he emphasized the need for diplomatic resolutions to address sea access, stressing that development should take precedence over conflict.
The Prime Minister stated, “Our intention is to negotiate based on the principle of give and take. What the Eritrean people need is development, not conflict.” He urged that discussions regarding the necessity of a seaport should not be considered taboo, citing global norms that support maritime access for larger nations.
Amid increasing tensions, concerns have been voiced regarding the possible resurgence of conflict stemming from past hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two nations ended a brutal two-year civil war in November 2022, which had devastating repercussions; however, recent political discord has put the peace process at risk.
Tigray’s Interim President, Getachew Reda, accused opponents of collaborating with Eritrea in exploiting the situation in Tigray, suggesting external interference compounding local political rifts. Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, firmly rejected these allegations, emphasizing that Eritrea is not involved in Ethiopia’s internal affairs. Following that, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timotewos, noted suspicions regarding potential connections between factions in Tigray and Eritrean involvement, though specifics were not disclosed.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in the 1990s, which resulted in Ethiopia losing its direct access to the sea. Following a border conflict from 1998 to 2000, diplomatic relations were restored in 2018 after Abiy took office; however, many of the positive developments have since deteriorated.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has reiterated that his government seeks resolution through diplomacy rather than military action concerning access to the sea. Despite historical tensions and recent political instability involving Eritrea, Abiy remains committed to fostering development over conflict. Nonetheless, allegations of Eritrean interference in Tigray’s politics continue to complicate the bilateral relationship, necessitating vigilance to maintain peace in the region.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
