Ethiopia Dismisses Conflict with Eritrea Over Red Sea Access, Seeks Diplomatic Solutions
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian government has officially ruled out any possibility of conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful negotiations and regional stability. The statement comes amid growing speculation about Ethiopia’s geopolitical ambitions and its need for a direct route to the sea.
Ethiopia’s Position on Red Sea Access
Ethiopia, a landlocked nation since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has long expressed interest in securing access to the Red Sea for economic and strategic reasons. However, concerns have emerged over potential tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Eritrea, which controls key Red Sea ports.
In a recent press briefing, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Taye Atske Selassie, emphasized that Addis Ababa is committed to diplomacy and regional cooperation. “Ethiopia has no intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea or any neighboring country. Our focus remains on economic integration and peaceful negotiations,” he stated.
Regional Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts
The issue of Red Sea access has been a topic of discussion in Ethiopia’s foreign policy, particularly after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s remarks in 2023, where he highlighted the country’s strategic need for maritime access. These comments fueled speculation about Ethiopia’s potential territorial claims, leading to concerns among neighboring states.
Despite these concerns, Ethiopian officials have reassured regional and international partners that any discussions on Red Sea access will be conducted through legal and diplomatic channels. Ethiopia has already been engaging with Eritrea and Djibouti to explore viable solutions that could benefit all parties involved.
Eritrea’s Response and Regional Stability
Eritrea, which has had a historically complex relationship with Ethiopia, has not officially commented on Ethiopia’s latest stance. However, analysts suggest that Asmara remains cautious about any regional agreements that could affect its sovereignty.
The Horn of Africa has witnessed periods of intense conflict, including the Ethiopia-Eritrea war (1998-2000), and any new disputes could destabilize the region. The African Union and other international stakeholders have encouraged both nations to prioritize dialogue and economic cooperation over territorial disputes.
Economic Implications of Red Sea Access for Ethiopia
Gaining access to a port remains a crucial economic objective for Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Currently, over 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports pass through Djibouti, making it heavily reliant on a single maritime route. Diversifying port access could significantly enhance trade efficiency and economic resilience.
While Ethiopia has explored partnerships with Somaliland for port access, a long-term solution involving Eritrean or Djiboutian ports remains a complex diplomatic challenge. Regional integration efforts, including joint infrastructure projects, have been proposed as potential solutions to the maritime access issue.
Conclusion
Ethiopia’s firm stance against conflict over Red Sea access reinforces its commitment to regional peace and stability. As diplomatic discussions continue, the focus remains on fostering cooperation with Eritrea and other neighboring countries to find mutually beneficial solutions. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Ethiopia can secure maritime access through peaceful negotiations.
Source : Swifteradio.com
