PM Abiy Ahmed’s recent assertion regarding Ethiopia’s determination to secure sea access by any means necessary has sparked apprehension, particularly among the Amhara people. This statement, with its implicit threat towards Eritrea, casts a shadow of potential conflict.

Amhara’s involvement in this sea access pursuit is fraught with peril. Military action against Eritrea would not only breach international law but also destabilize the Horn of Africa, a region already plagued by conflicts and humanitarian crises.

The Amhara people, inhabiting the border region with Eritrea, would be the first to suffer the consequences of any conflict. They have already endured immense hardship due to the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, with widespread destruction and displacement. Entangling Amhara in another conflict would only compound their misery.

Ethiopia should pursue peaceful avenues for sea access. Engaging in diplomatic talks with Eritrea for port usage or investing in Ethiopia’s own Red Sea ports are far more sensible options than resorting to war.

The Amhara and Eritrean people have a long history of coexistence. Involving Amhara in a conflict that does not serve their interests would be a grave mistake. PM Abiy Ahmed should prioritize diplomacy to resolve Ethiopia’s sea access issue and refrain from dragging Amhara into his war rhetoric.

Moreover, the Amhara people have no animosity towards Eritreans. A war with Eritrea would be a costly distraction from Ethiopia’s more pressing issues, such as the Tigray conflict and the country’s economic struggles. Amhara’s involvement would only further destabilize the Horn of Africa.

The Amhara people should make their voices heard and urge PM Abiy Ahmed to seek peaceful solutions to Ethiopia’s sea access challenge. They should categorically reject any war with Eritrea, safeguarding their own interests and promoting regional peace.

Additionally, the international community would likely condemn any military action against Eritrea, potentially leading to sanctions or other punitive measures against Ethiopia. This could further isolate the country and exacerbate its economic woes.

Crucially, the seaport agenda appears to be a diversionary tactic by the Ethiopian government to deflect attention from the atrocities it is perpetrating in the Amhara region. The Amhara people are fighting for their very survival against the Abiy regime, making the seaport issue a secondary concern at best.

The Amhara people should not be pawns in the Ethiopian government’s political games. Their primary focus should be on protecting their own lives and livelihoods, not on pursuing a seaport that offers little tangible benefit to them.

The seaport agenda is a smokescreen, a distraction from the real issues facing the Amhara people. It is a dangerous distraction that could lead to further bloodshed and instability. The Amhara people should reject this agenda and focus on their own survival and well-being.