ADDIS ABABA (HAN) – Fresh reports indicate that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed may be preparing for possible military action, with speculation mounting that he is seeking access to Eritrea’s strategic Red Sea coastline.
According to regional observers, Ethiopia could be maneuvering to secure control over a key maritime corridor, raising concerns about renewed instability across the Horn of Africa.
Eritrea, known for its history of strong military resistance, has previously repelled such ambitions. The late Ethiopian leader Meles Zenawi suffered significant setbacks in confrontations with Eritrea, underlining the country’s difficult terrain and resilient defense forces.
Analysts now question whether Abiy Ahmed’s latest moves represent genuine military preparations or calculated political posturing. Some suggest that the focus on Eritrea’s coastline may be a diversion, masking broader ambitions that could extend to Somalia’s vulnerable coastal regions, where governance remains fragile and security weak.
The situation is further complicated by Ethiopia’s domestic unrest. Reports highlight that Oromo fighters, already operating inside Somalia, could worsen the regional security environment if Addis Ababa attempts to expand its influence eastward.
While no direct clashes have been reported, regional observers warn that tensions are building. “We may be witnessing the early stages of another conflict cycle in the Horn of Africa,” one analyst said. “The critical question is not only whether Ethiopia will act, but how Eritrea and Somalia — both fragile yet strategically important — will respond.”
For now, the Horn of Africa remains on edge, as uncertainty grows and the specter of conflict looms.
