The Prime Minister urges international mediation, calls sea access “inevitable,” and stresses dialogue over war amid regional tensions.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared that Ethiopia’s determination to secure access to the Red Sea is “inevitable,” asserting that if conflict erupts, “no one will stop us.”
Addressing Parliament on Monday, Abiy called on the international community — including the United States, China, Russia, Europe, and Africa — to mediate a peaceful resolution to Ethiopia’s long-standing quest for maritime access. He described the issue as existential and criticised the opaque process through which Ethiopia lost its Red Sea outlet decades ago.
“We could not find a single page of paper explaining how we lost it,” Abiy told MPs, adding that the matter was never approved by the cabinet, Parliament, or the Ethiopian people.
The Prime Minister also touched on the Pretoria Agreement that ended the northern conflict, accusing Tigrayan leaders of breaching its terms by concealing weapons and conducting unauthorised training. He reiterated that all international relations must be managed through the federal government.
On domestic affairs, Abiy assured that the government is capable of holding the upcoming general election despite security challenges, stressing that the administration has “no desire for war” and is ready to engage in dialogue with all armed groups.
Concluding his remarks, Abiy said that while Ethiopia lost access to the Red Sea over a 30-year period, regaining it “will not take another 30 years.” He urged a calm, lawful, and diplomatic approach, emphasising that peace remains Ethiopia’s top priority.
