Addis Ababa, July 16, 2026 (FMC) — For centuries, Ethiopia’s relationship with the Red Sea represented more than a geographical connection. It was a gateway to the wider world, a route of commerce and a strategic link that shaped the country’s historical engagement with the region.
Today, the memory of that connection remains one of the most debated chapters in Ethiopia’s modern history.
At the opening of the National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revisited this chapter, reflecting on how Ethiopia lost its direct access to the Red Sea and drawing lessons he said remain relevant for the country’s future.
The Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s separation from its coastline was not a result of a lack of national capacity, but was connected to political circumstances, internal divisions and external forces that took advantage of moments of disagreement.
“While we were arguing, forces intervened and took advantage of the situation to suppress our aspirations,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that the historical experience carries a deeper lesson about the importance of unity and dialogue.
For Prime Minister Abiy, the Red Sea question represents more than a discussion about geography. It reflects a broader message about how internal challenges can affect a nation’s ability to protect its interests and pursue its aspirations.
He argued that throughout history, Ethiopia’s moments of vulnerability emerged when internal disagreements became deeper divisions, creating opportunities for outside influence.
The Prime Minister linked this reflection to the purpose of the National Dialogue, stressing that Ethiopia must build a political culture where disagreements are resolved through discussion rather than confrontation.
He said the country needs to move away from a pattern of politics that begins with strong words and ends with forceful actions, replacing it with dialogue, consultation and consensus.
The National Dialogue, bringing together more than 4,000 representatives from across Ethiopia, is intended to provide a platform where citizens can address national questions through peaceful engagement.
Prime Minister Abiy said the process offers Ethiopia an opportunity to solve its internal challenges through discussion and ensure that future generations inherit a stronger nation.
He described the dialogue as a historic opportunity for Ethiopians to take responsibility for writing their own future.
The Prime Minister also reflected on Ethiopia’s history of reconciliation, noting that Ethiopian society has traditions of mediation, consultation, compensation and forgiveness when resolving disagreements.
He argued that the country’s strength lies in its ability to address internal challenges and maintain unity despite differences.
The Prime Minister further warned that Ethiopia’s internal disagreements have often attracted external attention, saying forces with competing interests become more visible when the country faces internal disputes.
However, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s future should not be defined by past divisions but by its ability to solve problems through dialogue and collective action.
The historical reflection on Ethiopia’s lost Red Sea access came within a broader message: that national interests are best protected when a country is united, confident and capable of managing its internal differences.
As the National Dialogue continues, the Prime Minister’s remarks present the Red Sea chapter not only as a memory of what was lost, but also as a reminder of the responsibility to build a stronger future.
For Ethiopia, the question is not only about a coastline that disappeared from its geography, but about the political choices that shape a nation’s destiny.