Ethiopia’s PM Insists on Access to Red Sea Despite Regional Conflict Threat

Ethiopia’s PM Insists on Access to Red Sea Despite Regional Conflict Threat

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has insisted that his landlocked country must secure access to the Red Sea, despite the risk of escalating regional conflict.

Abiy made the demand during his swearing-in ceremony for a new five-year term as Ethiopian forces clash with opposition groups in the north.

Reiterating previous statements, Abiy told parliament that the country will work diligently on a give-and-take principle to ensure a coastal outlet.

Relations with neighbors have deteriorated, with Ethiopia accusing Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of backing opposition forces in the northern Tigray region.

Lower-level clashes between federal troops and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front recently erupted, violating a previous peace deal that ended a devastating war.

Fighting has intensified following the formation of a seven-member armed coalition committed to removing Prime Minister Abiy’s administration from power.