Ethiopian PM Rejects Armed Conflict with Eritrea Over Red Sea Access
Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has ruled out military conflict with Eritrea over Red Sea access, advocating for dialogue instead. This announcement follows increased military tensions and mobilizations between the two nations. The situation poses risks to the fragile peace established in 2019, which could lead to humanitarian crises in the Horn of Africa.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that his government will refrain from engaging in military conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea. This proclamation comes amid growing concerns about potential warfare between the two nations, as regional experts and officials indicated.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the importance of dialogue, asserting that “Ethiopia has no intention of engaging Eritrea in armed conflict to gain access to the sea.” He acknowledged that while access to the Red Sea is critical for Ethiopia, the government prioritizes peaceful negotiations.
Recent tensions arose following Eritrea’s reported mobilization of its military and Ethiopia’s movement of troops toward the border. Such events raised alarms regarding potential historic disputes that might jeopardize the peace established between Ethiopia and Eritrea back in 2019, for which Abiy was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Renewed hostilities between these neighboring countries could lead to a humanitarian disaster, complicating an already volatile situation in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea had previously supported Ethiopian federal forces during the conflict involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and Ethiopia’s central government, which lasted from 2020 to 2022 and resulted in significant casualties.
The relationship between the two nations significantly deteriorated after Eritrea was excluded from peace negotiations to resolve the conflict in November 2022.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has categorically rejected the idea of engaging in war with Eritrea over Red Sea access, instead advocating for dialogue to resolve the issue. The recent militarization and troop movements have raised concerns about the fragility of peace established in 2019. Ultimately, maintaining diplomatic relations is crucial for averting humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
