Ethiopia Says Egypt’s Regional Policies Have Long Been Designed to Curtail Strategic Autonomy

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia has accused Egypt of pursuing a historically entrenched regional policy aimed at undermining stability in the Horn of Africa and obstructing the strategic aspirations of countries in the region, particularly Ethiopia’s peaceful quest for direct access to the sea.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew said Cairo’s attempts to pressure regional states and derail their development ambitions are rooted in a historically entrenched approach that has persisted over time.

The Spokesperson said Egypt has repeatedly sought to fuel tensions and instability in the region, particularly whenever Ethiopia advances its agenda to regain direct maritime access through peaceful and diplomatic means.

According to Ambassador Nebiat, Egypt’s recent posture toward Ethiopia’s sea access initiative is intended to undermine Addis Ababa’s efforts and divert attention from what he described as Ethiopia’s legitimate and peaceful pursuit of direct access to the Red Sea. He added that this reflects a broader pattern of regional conduct that, at times, contributes to heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa.

He noted that the reaction from Cairo itself underscores the strategic significance of Ethiopia’s maritime access agenda, stressing that Addis Ababa remains firmly committed to resolving the matter through dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual understanding.

Ambassador Nebiat reiterated that Ethiopia has consistently communicated to the international community that its pursuit of sea access is peaceful and grounded in cooperation and shared regional development interests. He added that this position has been conveyed in engagements with various global partners and has continued to receive understanding and support from several governments and multilateral institutions.

He further emphasized that Ethiopia’s maritime aspiration is part of a broader peaceful diplomatic engagement agenda, which the government has repeatedly described as development-oriented and non-confrontational, despite external attempts to mischaracterize it.

The Spokesperson stated that attempts to instigate hostilities in the Horn of Africa whenever Ethiopia raises the issue of maritime access reflect a recurring pattern Ethiopia believes has long characterized Egypt’s regional approach, contributing to prolonged regional tensions.

He underscored that Ethiopia’s push to regain direct access to the sea is irreversible and backed by broad public support, reaffirming that the government will continue pursuing the objective through peaceful and diplomatic engagement.