Gebru Asrat Advocates for Diplomacy Over Conflict Between Ethiopia and Eritrea
Gebru Asrat discusses the tense relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, asserting no immediate grounds for war. He emphasizes the importance of legal claims over Assab and criticizes government failures to understand Eritrean motives. Asrat warns of potential foreign intervention and highlights the necessity for diplomacy rather than military action.
In a recent interview with Ethiopian Reporter, Gebru Asrat, former TPLF executive and president of the Tigray Regional State, discussed the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He expressed that there is no direct link between Ethiopia’s inauguration of an ammunition factory and the prospect of war, noting that the shift towards domestic ammunition production is primarily aimed at self-defense and economic efficiency.
Gebru dismissed the notion that fundamental reasons exist for war at this juncture, despite the heightened confrontational atmosphere. He identified Assab as a critical flashpoint and cautioned against prioritizing military efforts. He emphasized that Ethiopia must solidify its claims to Assab through legal means and effectively present its case to international bodies, as rushing into military action could be detrimental.
Criticizing Ethiopian government officials, Gebru argued that they fail to comprehend the persistent strategy of the Eritrean government, which, he contends, seeks to weaken Ethiopia to enhance its own regional influence. He stated that Eritrea’s control over certain lands is unwarranted, emphasizing that Ethiopia has a legitimate claim over Assab, which has been illegally occupied by Eritrean forces.
Furthermore, Gebru highlighted the likelihood of foreign intervention should hostilities erupt between Eritrea and Ethiopia, identifying nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran as having vested interests in the conflict. In response, Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, denounced what he termed “war-mongering” rhetoric from certain Ethiopian political factions, emphasizing the need for dialogue rather than escalation.
Amid increasing disparagement between pro-Ethiopian and pro-Eritrean advocates on social media, Gebru Asrat urged for a diplomatic approach over military escalation. His insights prompt a critical discussion on the potential paths forward for both nations, highlighting the necessity of a legal and diplomatic framework before engaging in conflict.
In summary, Gebru Asrat stresses the importance of diplomatic engagement over military action in the context of potential war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He contends that Ethiopia should solidify its claims regarding Assab through legal channels before provocation, and he warns against the dangerous patterns of escalation fueled by political rhetoric. His analysis foregrounds the intricate geopolitical dynamics that could arise should conflict erupt, making a strong case for diplomacy as the preferred course of action.
Original Source: borkena.com
