Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for international mediation to ease rising tensions with neighboring Eritrea. The core of the dispute centers on Ethiopia’s push to regain direct access to the Red Sea, a critical trade route lost when Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia in 1991. While a 2018 peace agreement briefly improved relations, recent allegations of Eritrean support for anti-government militias and suspended flights have reignited friction. Abiy has emphasized a preference for peaceful dialogue but also issued a stark warning that Ethiopia is prepared to defend its interests if necessary. Meanwhile, Eritrea has condemned Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as reckless, warning that it risks rekindling conflict in the already fragile Horn of Africa region. Ethiopia has also explored access via Somaliland, a move that frayed ties with Somalia, before Turkish mediation helped de-escalate tensions.
Bloomberg
