Ethiopian PM Denies Plans for Invasion of Eritrea, Advocates for Peace

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed denied invasion plans for Eritrea and called for a peaceful resolution regarding access to the sea. Despite historical tensions, he assured parliament that Ethiopia seeks to resolve its maritime aspirations amicably. Recent clashes in Tigray further complicate regional dynamics, with discussion of leadership changes amid ongoing unrest.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly stated that Ethiopia has no plans to invade Eritrea, despite ongoing tensions regarding sea access. This announcement comes in the context of historical complexities between the two nations, particularly after Eritrea’s independence in 1993 and a peace agreement in 2018 that has since deteriorated over Ethiopia’s aspirations for ocean access.

Abiy emphasized to parliament, “There are fears that Ethiopia and Eritrea could go to war over access to the sea. But I want to assure you that Ethiopia will not invade Eritrea to get access to the Red Sea.” He reiterated the importance of finding a peaceful solution to Ethiopia’s need for a coastal strategy.

Recently, Eritrea has called upon the international community to urge Ethiopia to acknowledge its sovereignty amid concerns regarding Ethiopia’s intentions towards Assab port. Although Eritrea assisted Abiy’s forces during the Tigray civil war, tensions have resurged, fueled by the recent unrest in Tigray, which experts suggest may be leveraged by Eritrea.

Abiy addressed the turmoil in Tigray, expressing confidence that it would soon be resolved, stating that discussions with regional stakeholders are ongoing, and an announcement will follow. The unrest is linked to a struggle for power between Tigray interim administration head Getachew Reda and Tigray People’s Liberation Front leader Debretsion Gebremichael.

Moreover, Abiy publicly supported Getachew, indicating the need for potential changes in leadership, mentioning, “There may be changes in the administrators and structures.” The situation continues to develop, as recent clashes have allowed Debretsion’s forces to capture municipalities, raising concerns about the possibility of renewed violence as locals recover from the Tigray conflict.

In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reassures that Ethiopia will not invade Eritrea over maritime ambitions, advocating for a peaceful resolution. Despite historical tensions and recent unrest in Tigray, he expresses confidence in resolving current conflicts while hinting at potential leadership changes in the region. Continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts will be crucial for maintaining stability between Ethiopia and Eritrea and addressing the violence in Tigray.

Original Source: newscentral.africa