Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has issued a public warning to Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, cautioning him against initiating any military confrontation aimed at securing access to the sea. Speaking during a televised interview, Afwerki stated that Eritrea would not be intimidated by any potential “human wave” offensive and emphasized the need for Ethiopia to focus on resolving its internal challenges.
“Before dragging the people of Ethiopia into unwanted wars or using them for another political agenda, the country’s internal problems must be first addressed and solved,” said Afwerki.
At the center of the tension is Ethiopia’s renewed push for sea access. Prime Minister Abiy has previously stressed that Ethiopia’s status as a landlocked country is unsustainable and called access to the Red Sea an existential matter. However, he has reiterated that his government seeks a peaceful resolution.
“Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea for the purpose of gaining access to the sea. Our desire is to engage in dialogue and discussion on this matter instead,” Abiy said in remarks delivered earlier this year.
Ethiopia lost its coastline following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, and the issue of port access has remained a sensitive topic between the two neighbors, despite their 2018 peace agreement. The recent public exchanges reflect growing tension over regional dynamics and Ethiopia’s geopolitical ambitions.
Observers are closely watching developments as both countries continue to navigate fragile peace in a region already shaped by recent conflicts and economic pressures.