Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that Ethiopia will not pursue war with Eritrea regarding access to the Red Sea, favoring dialogue for resolution. This announcement comes amid rising tensions and military mobilizations, raising fears of conflict that could reverse recent peace efforts and lead to humanitarian disaster.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proclaimed on Thursday that Ethiopia will refrain from engaging in armed conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, despite tensions between the two nations. Officials and experts had warned of an escalating situation between these Horn of Africa neighbors, raising significant concerns about a potential war.
In a statement shared via his office on X, Abiy articulated that “Ethiopia has no intention of engaging Eritrea in armed conflict to gain access to the sea.” He emphasized that while Red Sea access holds substantial importance for Ethiopia, the government prefers to address these concerns through dialogue rather than military confrontation.
Recent weeks witnessed rising fears of war following Eritrea’s reported national military mobilization and the deployment of Ethiopian troops to the border. These developments were confirmed by diplomatic sources and officials. This escalation threatens the fragile peace that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
Ongoing hostilities between the two largest African armies could precipitate a humanitarian crisis in a region still recovering from the recent Sudan War. Eritrea had previously supported Ethiopian federal forces during the Tigray conflict from 2020-2022, leading to hundreds of thousands of fatalities. However, relations deteriorated again after Eritrea was excluded from peace talks in November 2022.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has clearly stated Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving the issue of Red Sea access through dialogue rather than military confrontation with Eritrea. This stance aims to prevent the resurgence of hostilities and preserve regional stability amidst escalating tensions. The socio-political history shared by these countries underlines the importance of peace efforts to avoid a humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
