Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed that Ethiopia does not seek war with Eritrea over seaport access, advocating for diplomatic solutions instead. His comments come amid concerns of renewed conflict as Tigray faces political instability, with accusations of Eritrean interference. Despite historic tensions, Abiy aims for mutual development and collaboration between the nations.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly asserted that his country has no intention of waging war against neighboring Eritrea to secure access to the sea. His remarks follow a previous 2023 statement where he mentioned that obtaining a seaport was an “existential issue” for Ethiopia, which raised concerns regarding a potential military confrontation. In addressing parliament, Abiy emphasized the need for diplomatic resolutions and mutually beneficial discussions regarding maritime access.
Abiy articulated a commitment to dialogue based on the principle of negotiation, asserting that “what the Eritrean people need is development, not conflict.” He further highlighted that discussions concerning access to a seaport should not be taboo, as global norms suggest that large nations require maritime accessibility. Growing concerns about renewed conflict in the Tigray region have added urgency to these statements, especially following a two-year civil war that ended in November 2022.
The fragile peace agreement has faced challenges, particularly amid accusations of Eritrea interfering in Tigray’s political dynamics. Tigray’s Interim President Getachew Reda recently accused rival factions of collaborating with Eritrea, which had supported the Ethiopian federal government during the civil war. In response, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh denied these claims, stating that his country “categorically rejects” any involvement in the unrest of northern Ethiopia.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos indicated that there are suspicions of links between one of the Tigray factions and Eritrea; however, he refrained from providing detailed evidence. The historical context of tensions is significant, as Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia in the 1990s, leading to Ethiopia’s loss of direct sea access and resulting in a border war that lasted two years from 1998. Since normalized relations in 2018, political dynamics remain complex and volatile.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s declarations indicate Ethiopia’s desire for peaceful negotiations with Eritrea concerning maritime access. His emphasis on mutual development over conflict reflects a diplomatic approach amid escalating regional tensions. The historical complexities between the two nations underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining stability in the region, particularly with lingering suspicions of Eritrea’s influence in Tigray’s internal politics.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
