Ethiopia has made it clear that it does not intend to engage in conflict with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea.
The statement comes amid growing discussions about Ethiopia’s need for a direct route to the sea, which it lost after Eritrea’s independence in 1993.
The issue has gained attention in recent months as Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has been seeking alternatives for maritime trade. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed previously suggested that Ethiopia should explore diplomatic and economic avenues to secure access to the Red Sea. However, concerns arose over whether this pursuit could lead to tensions with neighboring Eritrea.
In a recent address, Ethiopian officials reassured the public and the international community that their country is committed to peaceful negotiations. They emphasized that any discussions regarding sea access will be handled through diplomatic channels and mutual agreements with regional partners.
Eritrea has remained largely silent on Ethiopia’s latest stance, but past relations between the two countries have been strained. A long-running border dispute led to a war from 1998 to 2000, and while a peace deal was signed in 2018, tensions have occasionally resurfaced.
Ethiopia’s efforts to secure sea access are part of its broader economic strategy, as the country relies heavily on neighboring Djibouti’s ports for trade. Government officials have reiterated that cooperation, rather than conflict, is the way forward.