Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has stated that Ethiopia does not desire war with Eritrea and favors diplomatic negotiations for maritime access. Amid rising tensions following Ethiopia’s civil war, he asserted that discussions should focus on mutual development. Despite allegations of Eritrean interference in Tigray’s affairs, Eritrean officials categorically denied involvement.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has emphasized that his country does not seek war with Eritrea, particularly for maritime access, as Ethiopia is landlocked. His previous remarks, labeling a seaport as an “existential issue,” heightened fears of potential conflict. Emphasizing diplomacy over aggression, Ahmed stated that Ethiopia aims to negotiate mutual benefits regarding sea access.
Ahmed remarked, “Our intention is to negotiate based on the principle of give and take. What the Eritrean people need is development, not conflict. Our plan is not to fight but to work together and grow together.” Although he acknowledged that discussions about seaport access should not be taboo, he underscored the importance of peaceful resolutions.
Concerns regarding renewed conflict arose following a two-year civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which ended in November 2022. Recent political tensions suggest that peace agreements are fraying, leading to accusations of Eritrean interference. Tigray’s Interim President, Getachew Reda, claimed that external actors, including Eritrea, may exploit Tigray’s instability for their interests.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh promptly dismissed such claims, affirming that Eritrea is not involved in tensions in northern Ethiopia. Further complicating matters, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotewos indicated that some factions in Tigray may have ties to Eritrea, though no details were provided.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in the 1990s, leading Ethiopia to lose its direct access to the sea. Following a border war from 1998, relations improved in 2018 under Ahmed’s leadership, yet many recent changes in the bilateral relationship have regressed.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed his nation’s preference for diplomatic solutions regarding maritime access to avoid conflict with Eritrea. With recent tensions in Tigray raising concerns of instability and external influence, both countries face a critical moment in navigating their fraught relationship. The emphasis remains on achieving mutual development rather than engaging in warfare.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
