Ethiopian PM Says Red Sea Loss Was Illegal, Calls for Diplomacy with Eritrea

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told parliament on Tuesday that Ethiopia lost access to the Red Sea under legally flawed circumstances and emphasized the need for a peaceful, negotiated resolution.

Abiy said the decision that deprived Ethiopia of its maritime access was not approved by the Cabinet at the time, nor was it ratified by any legal body, parliament, or public referendum. “Ethiopia fought for the sea for 30 years. After much hardship, it was lost. I don’t think it will take another 30 years to resolve. A stable, diplomatic path is needed,” he said.

Speaking to lawmakers, Abiy added, “When we reviewed the cabinet documents, there was nothing there. The Cabinet was unaware. No legal approval was given. Parliament knew nothing, and the Ethiopian people were never consulted. We were there at the time — no Ethiopian law approved this.”

During the parliamentary session, opposition lawmakers pressed Abiy with pointed questions. Desalegn Chaneoo, a member of the opposition, questioned Ethiopia’s handling of regional port agreements, citing past deals with Eritrea, Somaliland, Djibouti, and Somalia that yielded little tangible result. “Mr. Prime Minister, shouldn’t we learn from our mistakes?” Chaneoo asked.

In response, Abiy provided a detailed explanation of Ethiopia’s legal claims to maritime access and called on the international community to facilitate neutral mediation.

Abiy also sent a stern message to Eritrea, stressing that Ethiopia has no intention of war. “Brothers in Eritrea, we do not seek conflict, but do not become messengers of gunfire. Neighboring countries should not exchange bullets. Stop this. We have seen enough,” he said.

The prime minister reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to peace, noting ongoing multi-billion-dollar development projects and warning of the consequences of military conflict. “We do not have time for war. If war happens, its outcome is known. Beyond that is just noise. How can anyone trust another country to help them when looking at Ukraine and Palestine?” Abiy said.

GAROWE ONLINE