What Happened to Ethiopia’s Red Sea Coastline? PM Abiy Ahmed Revisits a Defining Chapter of History

Addis Ababa, July 16, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s loss of its Red Sea coastline was a historical lesson on the consequences of internal division, emphasizing that periods of fragmentation created opportunities that affected the country’s destiny.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while opening the National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa, where he reflected on Ethiopia’s historical experiences to underline the importance of unity, dialogue and consensus in shaping the country’s future.

Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia’s history demonstrates that internal disagreements, when left unresolved, can create vulnerabilities that allow external forces to influence the country’s affairs.

He noted that Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the Red Sea was not a reflection of the country’s capacity or potential, but rather a consequence of historical circumstances shaped by political divisions and periods when dialogue gave way to confrontation.

The Prime Minister presented the experience as a lesson for the present generation, stressing that nations must protect their unity and resolve differences through peaceful engagement.

He said Ethiopia must move away from a political culture where disagreements begin with harsh rhetoric and eventually lead to conflict, replacing it with a culture of dialogue, understanding and consensus.

The remarks came as the National Dialogue seeks to create a platform for Ethiopians to address major national questions through inclusive discussions. The process has brought together more than 4,000 representatives from across the country following nationwide consultations that identified eight major agenda pillars for deliberation.

Prime Minister Abiy said the dialogue provides Ethiopians with an opportunity to take responsibility for shaping their own future through collective discussion and shared understanding.

He described the process as a historic moment in which Ethiopians have the opportunity to use the “pen and parchment” to write the next chapter of the country’s history.

The Prime Minister’s reflection on Ethiopia’s Red Sea history formed part of a broader message on the importance of national unity, warning that a divided society risks repeating the challenges of the past while a society built on dialogue can create a stronger foundation for the future.