Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated his country's need to access the Red Sea, citing a trade dispute with Eritrea. The two nations have been at odds since 1993, when Eritrea gained independence and Ethiopia lost its access to the sea.
Abiy Ahmed wants direct control over a seaport, which coastal states are resisting. Analysts believe external interests outside the Horn of Africa region are driving this push, with Ethiopia's geostrategic partners, primarily the United Arab Emirates, under pressure due to conflicts in the Persian Gulf.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been escalating for over a year, with some fearing the situation could lead to war. However, analysts believe the underlying causes of the rivalry still exist, despite a recent pause in hostilities.