ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Horn Post)— Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia lost its access to the Red Sea because of internal political failures rather than the actions of foreign powers, describing the outcome as one of the country’s most significant historical setbacks.
Speaking at the opening of the National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa on July 15, 2026, Abiy said that decisions made by what he described as an “unelected government” led to Ethiopia losing its maritime access through Eritrea.
“The way we lost access to the Red Sea was one of the worst historical events in our nation’s history,” Abiy said.
The prime minister argued that Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the Red Sea was primarily the result of domestic political divisions and governance failures, not external pressure.
“For thousands of years, Ethiopia governed, possessed, and benefited from the Red Sea,” Abiy said. “We lost that access because of internal weaknesses that undermined our national interests and ultimately turned Ethiopia into a geographically landlocked nation.”
Red Sea Access Remains a Central Political Issue
Abiy’s remarks come amid growing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as Addis Ababa continues to pursue efforts to secure reliable access to the sea—an issue that has become increasingly central to Ethiopia’s political and strategic agenda.
Ethiopia became a landlocked country after Eritrea gained independence in 1991, following a 30-year armed struggle. Since then, Ethiopian political and military leaders have repeatedly emphasized what they describe as the country’s legitimate need for secure and reliable maritime access.
The issue has remained a key source of regional tension, particularly in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, while continuing to shape political debate and security discussions across the Horn of Africa.
Abiy Ahmed’s remarks reflect the position of the Ethiopian government regarding the historical loss of Red Sea access. The history and legal interpretations surrounding Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea and its relationship with Eritrea remain subjects of political and historical debate.
Prepared By:
Horn Post Staff
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia
