Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed Rejects War with Eritrea Over Sea Access

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserted that Ethiopia will not pursue war with Eritrea for Red Sea access, prioritizing negotiation instead. Tensions have escalated with Eritrea’s military mobilization and Ethiopian troop deployments, raising concerns over potential conflict and humanitarian crises. The outcome could undermine the peace established in recent years that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared on Thursday that his government does not intend to engage in war with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea. His remarks come amid rising concerns over a potential conflict between the two neighboring nations in the Horn of Africa. Abiy affirmed, “Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea to gain access to the sea,” emphasizing a commitment to peaceful negotiations.

Despite recognizing the significance of Red Sea access for landlocked Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy insisted that his administration is focused on pursuing a diplomatic resolution. Recent weeks have seen escalating tensions, particularly after reports indicated that Eritrea had ordered a full military mobilization, according to a human rights organization.

Compounding these worries, diplomatic sources have revealed that Ethiopia has deployed troops to its border, suggesting an increased risk of hostilities. An escalated confrontation between the two formidable African militaries would jeopardize the historic reconciliation that awarded Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and pose risks of a humanitarian crisis, especially in the aftermath of the conflict in Sudan.

Eritrea previously allied with Ethiopian federal forces during the 2020–2022 conflict against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a devastating war that resulted in an estimated hundreds of thousands of fatalities. However, tensions heightened again following Eritrea’s exclusion from the peace negotiations that concluded the TPLF conflict in November 2022.

In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly stated that Ethiopia will not engage in conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea. He seeks a peaceful resolution despite the critical nature of the issue. The situation remains tense, with military mobilizations reported on both sides, raising concerns about the potential for renewed conflict. The historical reconciliation between the two nations faces significant threats if peace efforts are not prioritized.

Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv