Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ruled out war with Eritrea, emphasizing his government’s intent to seek peaceful negotiations regarding Red Sea access. This assertion comes amidst rising tensions and military mobilizations, raising concerns about potential conflict, which could threaten regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his government’s commitment to avoiding conflict with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. He emphasized that Ethiopia does not intend to engage in warfare, a statement released through his office on X detailed. Abiy acknowledged that the issue of access to the Red Sea is crucial for Ethiopia, which is landlocked, yet he reaffirmed his administration’s preference for peaceful negotiations.
Recent weeks have seen escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, prompted by reports of Eritrea initiating a full military mobilization, according to a human rights organization. In response, diplomatic sources noted that Ethiopia has dispatched troops to their shared border, heightening concerns of potential hostilities between the two nations.
A renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea could jeopardize the historic rapprochement that contributed to Abiy receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. This possible military engagement poses a significant risk of triggering a humanitarian crisis in a region already affected by the fallout from the war in Sudan.
Previously, Eritrea had allied with Ethiopian federal forces during the Tigray conflict from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in substantial loss of life. However, relations deteriorated after Eritrea was excluded from the peace negotiations that concluded the conflict in November 2022, leading to renewed hostilities.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has clearly stated that Ethiopia will not pursue conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access. His administration seeks peaceful negotiations even as tensions rise due to military mobilizations. The potential for a new conflict risks not only damaging recent peace efforts but also exacerbating humanitarian issues in the region affected by Sudan’s war.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
