Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos says the Ethiopian government will not take a combative stance against Eritrea despite escalating tensions between the two countries.
“We have not entered into a war of words with Eritrea despite provocation from the other side,” Gedion said in a parliamentary appearance on Thursday.
He was responding to questions from lawmakers while presenting a Ministry performance report.
“There are countries that have become ill at ease at seeing Ethiopia creating and maintaining amicable relations with its neighbors,” Gedion told MPs.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have soured over the past couple of years, growing especially tense in recent months in light of the federal government’s desire to secure maritime access. The administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has stated that “all options” are being considered, prompting concerns about potential conflict with neighboring countries, including Eritrea.
In recent months, Eritrea has initiated military mobilization efforts, calling upon citizens under 60 to enlist. The move has been interpreted by observers as a response to Ethiopia’s actions and statements regarding sea access.
Eritrean officials have described Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as “misguided”, reflecting the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations.
Gedion’s comments come following controversial remarks from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki last week, accusing Ethiopia of working to destabilize the region.
The Foreign Minister’s stance contrasts sharply with an opinion piece authored this week by MP and former Foreign Affairs official Dina Mufti, in which he accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups opposed to the federal government, alleging a coordinated effort to destabilize Ethiopia by uniting ethnic militias from the Tigray and Amhara regions.
