Ethiopia’s Abiy rules out war with Eritrea over Red Sea access

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addresses Parliament in Addis Ababa on March 20, 2025.

Photo credit: Reuters

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Thursday that his government would not seek conflict with longtime foe Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, after regional officials and experts warned of a possible war between the Horn of Africa neighbours.

Fears of war emerged in recent weeks after Eritrea ordered a nationwide military mobilisation, according to a human rights group, and Ethiopia deployed troops toward the border, diplomatic sources and officials told Reuters.