Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated his call for strengthening integration in the Horn of Africa and for Ethiopia to find a peaceful, negotiated and consensual route to the Red Sea, describing it as essential for the country’s long-term security and development.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he was delivering a report to the Ethiopian Parliament on his government’s performance, while participating in a question-and-answer session with members of the House of People.
Speaking on regional diplomacy, he said that the countries of the Horn of Africa share a common culture, language and history, but are still divided by external interference and conflicting interests. He stressed that neighboring countries should be cooperative, rather than competitive and hostile.
“Our region is indivisible,” the Prime Minister said, urging Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan and Kenya to prioritize cooperation independent of foreign agendas.
Abiy Ahmed also spoke about Ethiopia’s efforts to secure a sea route, describing it as a national security and economic imperative. Ethiopia became a landlocked country in 1993, following the secession of Eritrea. He noted that there had long been concerns about the port of Assab, but the formal demand for a sea route only became apparent last year.
The prime minister said Ethiopia, a country of about 130 million people, is seeking a peaceful solution based on dialogue and exchange rather than resorting to force, such as giving neighboring countries shares in its major national assets, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) or Ethiopian Airlines, or through leases or land swaps.
“We do not want to resort to force,” he said. “This issue can be resolved through the principles of trade, peace and dialogue.”
