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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peaceful negotiations regarding Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea, addressing growing concerns about potential regional conflict. Abiy made it clear that Ethiopia has no intention of engaging in war with Eritrea over this strategic issue.
Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, losing its direct access to the sea. The issue of maritime access has remained a key geopolitical and economic challenge for Ethiopia, with recent developments bringing it back into the spotlight. Ethiopia has expressed a renewed interest in securing a reliable trade route to the Red Sea to enhance its economic growth and international trade capabilities.
Rising tensions in the region have sparked concerns, particularly as Eritrea has been mobilizing its military nationwide while Ethiopia has deployed troops closer to their shared border. These actions have led to speculation about the possibility of a new conflict. However, Abiy has reassured both domestic and international stakeholders that Ethiopia seeks to achieve its maritime objectives through diplomatic means rather than war.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has seen major shifts over the years. The 2018 peace agreement, which ended two decades of hostilities and earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, was a turning point in their ties. However, challenges persist. Eritrea was notably absent from the 2022 Pretoria peace talks that sought to resolve Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, a factor that may have contributed to ongoing tensions.
Domestically, Ethiopia faces additional challenges. The Tigray region has been experiencing political upheaval, including leadership struggles within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Such internal instability adds another layer of complexity to Ethiopia’s foreign relations and security considerations.
As discussions about Red Sea access continue, Abiy’s emphasis on diplomacy reflects Ethiopia’s efforts to avoid further conflict in the region. The government is likely to pursue agreements with neighboring countries to facilitate access to strategic ports, ensuring economic stability while maintaining peace.