Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has stated that Ethiopia has no intentions of invading Eritrea, despite the ongoing tensions over Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access. Relations between the two nations have been tense since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, with recent strains arising from Ethiopia’s interest in the strategic Assab port on the Red Sea.
While addressing the Ethiopian parliament, Abiy emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access, dismissing any notion of military aggression. This comes amid Eritrea’s call for the international community to ensure the respect of its sovereignty, concerned about Ethiopia’s intentions.
The diplomatic situation is further complicated by the recent instability in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where a power struggle is unfolding between key local figures following the Tigray civil war. While Abiy has expressed confidence in resolving the issues in Tigray, he indicated that changes in the region’s leadership might be necessary to stabilize the area.
The tension in Tigray and the unresolved maritime ambitions highlight the fragility of the peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Attention from the international community may play a crucial role in preventing further escalation.
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