Ethiopia Comments on Sudan's Deployment of Forces on Border Areas

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a number of statements commenting on Sudan's announcement of the deployment of its forces on the border areas between the two countries.

The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said that they in the Addis Ababa government are ready to reach an agreement with Sudan to stabilize the border areas, and to end the current situation.

The ministry added that they are keen to keep peace with Sudan, noting that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government is keen on the diplomatic approach with Sudan.

Ethiopia confirmed that it wanted to deal with the border file with Sudan by peaceful means, denying the military option, according to what the Foreign Ministry said.

The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry’s statements said: "We did not say that we reject negotiations with Sudan, but rather we want it, but Sudan should return its forces to their previous positions."

Previously, the Sudanese Sovereignty Council confirmed that the deployment of army forces within the borders is normal, indicating that it does not wish to take measures that affect its relationship with Ethiopia.

Sudanese Minister of Defense Yassin Ibrahim Yassin said on Monday that "Ethiopian procrastination is a common factor between the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD ) negotiations and the border dispute of Al-Al-Fashaqa."

Yassin added: "The Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's talk of the existence of disputed areas was a reason for the Sudanese army to move to impose its control over Sudanese areas, according to what is stipulated in the agreements."

The Sudanese Minister of Defense expressed "Khartoum's rejection of Ahmed's talk about the existence of a border dispute," stressing that "the border areas are clear and stipulated in internationally recognized agreements."