The rumor of war, invasion and confrontation to access the red sea has withered away with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD)’ s unwavering expression of Ethiopia’s stance to pursue only peaceful and diplomatic means to this end.
In his response to questions raised by Members of Parliament on Thursday Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reassured all concerned ones that Ethiopia quest for access to the sea has gained momentum and recognition from the international community.
This means all responsible countries and international organization have a good understanding to the burning desire of Ethiopia and the rationale behind its pursuit of access to sea outlet.
As indicated by the Prime Minster the members of the international community who discussed Ethiopia’s intent to have sea outlet all expressed their understanding of why Ethiopia should have direct access to the sea. It was indicated that Ethiopia is the only country in the globe with such a large number of population and rapidly growing economy but having no access to the sea.
The crux of the matter here is that the friendly countries, international organizations and other stakeholders express support to Ethiopia’s quest only if it pursues this goal through peaceful and diplomatic means, as expressed by the Premier himself.
Otherwise, as the government has been repeatedly disclosing the attempt to engage in war in search of access to the sea is not acceptable and advisable for many reasons. The government clearly understands that it is rather more damaging to the economy, security of the nation. From the clearly expressed stance of the government, it is easy to understand that war and conflict would not bear the desired outcome other than causing irrecoverable loss.
However, various mainstream and social media and authorities behind them have been spreading unfounded predictions about the imminence of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea in pursuit of access to sea outlet.
According to Abiy’s explanation, these same sources and media have been spreading the same speculations that Ethiopia would engage in war with Somalia over the Memorandum of Understanding reached with Somaliland which proved to be in vain. He noted that whatever the speak of the possibility of war or any other form of confrontation does not go beyond mere faulty speculation in the future.
Ethiopia’s current endeavor all indicates that the country is highly tired of war and conflict to pursue its goals. According to Abiy, the government’s strong stance for peace can be exemplified by its offer for the Pretoria Peace Agreement to be signed when the defense forces were on the door gates Mekelle and other TPLF strong holds. It is also calling for peaceful resolution of the armed movements in other parts of the country.
More over the federal government is now busy fast tracking the country’s economic and social development endeavor as it has entered into a historic level of commitment to transform the country socio-economic profile after declaring the macro economic reform.
The reform that the government launched on July last year brings forth the need to pool all the financial, technical and human resource of the nation towards development rather than wasting them on conflict. The country has no more money, time and human lives to lavishly spend on war that brutally devours the country’s bright future.
Leave alone taking the lead to trigger war, Ethiopia by now prefers to exhaust all peaceful means to address all its issues with local armed groups or external forces. It is seriously engaged preemptive efforts rather than confrontation.
Therefore, any rumor surrounding the possibility of war because of Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to sea outlet remains to be a mere war mongering business rather than a genuine speculation.
However, it should also be noted that, as the Prime Minister Abiy underscored, the quest for sea access also thrives to be a genuine quest of the people of Ethiopia that the government strives to achieve through peaceful, diplomatic means.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 22 MARCH 2025
