Ethiopia Emphasizes Peaceful Dialogue with Eritrea Over Red Sea Access

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ruled out conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, promoting dialogue instead. Amid rising tensions from military mobilizations and accusations from Eritrea, Abiy seeks to maintain peace. The situation remains complex due to ongoing internal issues in Tigray and promises of stability ahead of the 2026 elections.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has firmly stated that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, despite rising tensions. He emphasized a preference for dialogue to address this critical issue while acknowledging its significance for landlocked Ethiopia. Abiy articulated, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea for the purpose of gaining access to the sea,” reinforcing the government’s peaceful approach.

The escalation of tensions arose following Eritrea’s nationwide military mobilization and Ethiopia’s troop deployment near the border, signaling potential conflict. However, Abiy’s ambitions to secure sea access have generated unease in Eritrea, with officials expressing concerns over Ethiopia’s intentions, particularly regarding the port of Assab. Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel characterized Ethiopia’s aspirations as “misguided and outdated,” calling for international pressure to uphold Eritrea’s sovereignty.

Renewed hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea would undermine a fragile peace achieved through a rapprochement that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. The situation is further complicated by recent tensions in the Tigray region, where the aftermath of the civil war has led to accusations of collaboration between rival factions and Eritrea. Abiy announced an extension of the Tigray interim administration’s term for another year, amidst controversies regarding leadership and representation in the governance of the region.

As Ethiopia prepares for a crucial general election in 2026, Abiy’s government appears committed to navigating a peaceful resolution to border disputes with Eritrea while managing internal challenges within Tigray. This approach underscores Ethiopia’s intent to ensure regional stability amidst complex geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

In summary, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared a commitment to peaceful dialogue with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, dismissing any intentions of war. Despite rising tensions due to military actions from both sides, Abiy seeks to uphold the peace achieved in previous negotiations. Concurrently, internal challenges within the Tigray region persist, impacting Ethiopia’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com