Jawar Mohammed leads calls for Ethiopian military action against Eritrea

A growing movement of Ethiopian online influencers and activists is advocating for military action against Eritrea to secure direct access to the Red Sea. Led by prominent figure Jawar Mohammed, the campaign utilizes the slogan "Now or Never" to push for a reversal of the 1993 territorial loss that left Ethiopia landlocked. This surge in social media activism follows recent rhetoric from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has publicly stated that securing a maritime base is a vital national interest for Ethiopia's economic and strategic future.

Influencers like Eliyas Kebede and Jawar Mohammed have gained significant traction online, arguing that Ethiopia’s recent military successes against rebel forces in the Tigray region have created an opportunity to address the coastline issue. While some sectors of the public have expressed backlash against the prospect of another conflict, the movement's leaders maintain that securing a port is a historical necessity. They argue that Ethiopia’s dependence on neighboring countries for trade access remains a fundamental weakness that must be resolved through military or diplomatic assertion.

The rhetoric has heightened regional tensions, particularly as both Ethiopia and Eritrea have reportedly begun reinforcing their military presence along their shared border. Experts observing the situation suggest that while these online campaigns may not directly dictate the Ethiopian government’s official policy, they serve to galvanize support among the domestic population and the global diaspora. Such a mobilization could potentially be used to justify future military interventions or to pressure for regime change within Eritrea, further destabilizing the fragile peace in the Horn of Africa.

International observers remain concerned that the escalating war of words could trigger a new full-scale conflict between the two nations. Ethiopia’s loss of its coastline in 1993 remains a sensitive point of national pride, and the current administration’s focus on the Red Sea has reopened historical wounds. As the military buildup continues, the international community is monitoring the situation closely to prevent a return to the devastating hostilities that have historically characterized relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara.