Ethiopian Prime Minister Rejects Invasion Claims
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told parliament on Thursday that Ethiopia has no intention of invading Eritrea for Red Sea access, stressing that maritime access is a necessity for the country.
“Our goal is to find a solution through negotiation, based on mutual benefit,”
Abiy stated, emphasizing that Ethiopia’s approach aligns with economic and market principles. He warned that avoiding discussions on the issue could lead to future complications. “If we ignore this today, it will create challenges down the road. We must address it through dialogue, not conflict. War is unnecessary,” he said.
Rising Regional Tensions
Abiy’s remarks come as tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea intensify. Earlier this week, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, describing them as “misguided and outdated” and warning against any diplomatic or military attempts to secure access.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, warned that a war between Ethiopia and Eritrea “appears inevitable,” with Tigray at risk of becoming a battleground. Similarly, Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, accused Eritrea of seeking to exploit instability in Tigray.
Concerns over the situation have also reached the international stage. U.S. Senator James Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, cautioned that renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia could have “catastrophic consequences” and urged both nations to de-escalate tensions.
Abiy: Ethiopia Focused on Peace, But Ready to Defend Itself
Addressing accusations that Ethiopia is seeking confrontation, Abiy dismissed such claims as baseless. “Many accusations have been made, but they do not reflect reality,” he said, describing Eritreans as “brothers” who share Ethiopia’s aspirations for progress. “What we need is economic development, not war,” he added.
However, he asserted that Ethiopia is prepared to defend itself if necessary.
“We are not afraid—this must be made clear,”
he said. “No one is in a position to challenge us. We are fully prepared.” He emphasized that Ethiopia’s military readiness is for deterrence, not aggression. “Our goal is to prevent war, not to start one.”
Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s regional role in promoting stability, referencing its involvement in Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. “We have avoided direct military confrontations, and we intend to continue on this path,” he said.
Call for Dialogue on Red Sea Access
The Prime Minister cautioned against external provocations, stating, “There should be no provocations from any side because any response will be significant. However, Ethiopia will not be the one to provoke.” He stressed that Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access is not tied to any political party or government but is a long-term national interest.
“A country with a population of 130 million and an expanding economy cannot remain landlocked while its access to the sea is restricted,” Abiy said.
He called for a peaceful resolution that considers Ethiopia’s needs while ensuring regional stability. “We seek a solution that benefits all parties,” he said, urging international partners to recognize Ethiopia’s position while safeguarding the interests of neighboring countries. “This issue should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding,” he concluded.