Scholars have noted that Ethiopia’s sovereign access to seaport plays a crucial role in ensuring regional shared prosperity. Ethiopia was one of the world's prominent civilizations in international trade and diplomacy due to its secured sovereign sea access and ports. However, the country had lost its natural, historical, and legal resources due to internal and external political conspiracies as well as various historical circumstances. However, the present generation has risen with strong determination to regain this historical right of ownership and to safeguard the nation's core interests. Efforts being made by the government to address the issue through peaceful and diplomatic means are also showing promising results. The international community has also given due support and attention to Ethiopia’s fair demand. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Logistics Researcher Temesgen Walelign said access to the sea plays a significant role in strengthening commercial activities, cargo transport, and global market integration countries.   As a result, Ethiopia’s lack of port has been incurring additional logistics costs and burdens, preventing products from reaching the global market on time and at competitive prices, he explained. These extra costs affect not only export trade but also cause price hikes on imported goods, ultimately impacting consumers, the researcher added. Moreover, Ethiopia’s claim for sea access is appropriate taking into consideration the historical, legal, and long-term development ambitions of the country beyond it geographical location and population. He also praised Ethiopia’s efforts in working with neighboring countries to achieve this demand by adhering to principles of give-and-take, peaceful diplomacy, and mutual benefit.   Beyond strengthening Ethiopia's commercial and economic capacity, this contributes significantly to fostering lasting regional peace and economic cooperation, Temesgen underscored. Overall, he emphasized that the demand goes beyond current economic needs and forms the foundation of the country's future strategic survival. For his part, the economist Nemomsa Mengesha said Ethiopia's quest for sovereign seaport plays a crucial role in boosting economic competitiveness.   This, he noted, will streamline the overall economic activities and play a major role in easing living cost for citizens. Therefore, securing seaport is a fundamental solution for achieving the country's long-term development goals and improving the living standards of its people.

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) — The defunct TPLF had been preparing for another round of war, violating the Pretoria Agreement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed. During an interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), he said the TPLF violated the Pretoria Agreement signed in October 2022. The PM recalled that the key elements of the Pretoria Agreement included cessation of hostilities, restoration of all services, disarmament, return of displaced people, and recognition of the constitutional order. The federal government had fulfilled everything that was possible and expected of it, he added. On the contrary, the TPLF had been purchasing and soliciting weapons as well as openly recruiting young people instead of implementing the agreement to disarm combatants. Above all, PM Abiy pointed out that after the agreement, the TPLF used displaced persons as hostages to prevent them from returning to their homes. Additionally, it engaged in destroying and closing down infrastructure—including airlines, banking, and telecommunications—that had been restored by the Federal Government to deliver services. Despite the group’s misdeeds, the PM stated that the government had forewarned that war was not worthwhile and that peace was preferable. However, the TPLF disregarded the advice and collaborated with various forces, and violated the Pretoria Agreement by initiating an unnecessary war. Immense damage has been inflicted on the public as a result of the war instigated by the TPLF, he noted. War is bad and yields no benefit, the Premier further noted, adding that a war fought for the interests of foreign forces is even worse. The psychological damage is not to be taken lightly and damage has also been inflicted on development and the economy. PM Abiy stressed that young people carrying Kalashnikovs should therefore return to work and participate in the development and rehabilitation of Tigray. Noting that many young people were forcibly recruited, he advised those who have not yet returned to return to normal life. He stated that the leaders of the TPLF have been declaring war for 50 years without dying or being wounded themselves; instead they sent their children and families abroad and to Addis Ababa where they are engaged in business and construction. The youth of Tigray deserve to live and change their lives, rather than dying and suffering for them, the Premier added. He urged Tigrayan youth to avoid war and instead dedicate their physical and mental energy to development. Young people's daily lives should be spent in universities, businesses, agriculture, and factories. "Instead of pulling a trigger, your fingers should be on a computer. Lay down your Kalashnikov and return to development," PM Abiy advised. The Prime Minister also stated that the TPLF lacked principles. Although it presented itself as a popular movement in its rhetoric, its actions were anti-people. He argued that the TPLF could not bring about meaningful change because it had allied itself with anti-people forces. The TPLF is cooperating with forces that do not recognize the Constitution in an effort to dismantle the very Constitution that it claimed to have established.

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has paid tribute to Kenya’s freedom fighters and national heroes during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, Kenya. The Premier highlighted the shared legacy of courage, unity, and sacrifice between the two countries. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said: “I delivered remarks paying tribute to the heroes who fought for freedom and those who made the ultimate sacrifices to safeguard their nation. I honour their courage and legacy!”   PM Abiy noted that Kenya’s history of courage and sacrifice resonates deeply with Ethiopia’s own story of Adwa, where Ethiopians from every corner of the country united to defend their homeland. These shared histories remind us that freedom was never given but won through courage, unity, and sacrifice, the Prime Minister added. “As our histories are intertwined, so too must our futures be. Through the spirit of Medemer, Ethiopia and Kenya must continue building on our existing cooperation in clean energy, connectivity, telecommunications, and trade to create greater opportunities and shared prosperity for our people,” he said.   The two countries also cooperate in regional security, cross-border infrastructure, trade, telecommunications, and electricity interconnections, supporting economic integration and development across the Horn of Africa, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Eritrean people have lost much of its industrial capacity and urban vitality since secession, urging good neighborliness and development cooperation as the path forward. During an interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), the Prime Minister said Eritrean cities were once thriving economic centers when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia. However, these assets have significantly deteriorated since Eritrea’s secession, with some cities losing much of their former urban character.   Recalling that Eritrea had more than 300 industries during that period, the Premier said the region had a substantial industrial base, contrasting its former economic strength with what he described as its present decline. Citing Asmara, PM Abiy said the capital had become smaller than many developing Ethiopian cities such as Arba Minch and Jigjiga. Speaking about the Red Sea port cities of Massawa and Assab, the Prime Minister said their economic activity had declined significantly, leaving their potential largely underutilized.   “Massawa has been emptied, while Assab has been reduced to a ghost town,” Prime Minister Abiy said. The Prime Minister attributed the situation to the Eritrean government’s failure to prioritize development and institution-building, adding that its policies had instead drawn the country into serving the interests of forces opposed to Ethiopia. He said Eritreans, whom he described as industrious and welcoming, were now facing displacement and hardship, underscoring that external factors supporting confrontation would not resolve the country’s underlying challenges. Such involvement, the Premier said, offers no lasting solution to Eritrea’s problems, as those supporting confrontation are more likely to provide ammunition than contribute to addressing the country’s difficulties. He stressed that friendship, good neighborliness and development cooperation remain the viable path forward, noting that decades of experience have demonstrated the limitations of alternative approaches.   The Prime Minister warned that continued disregard for calls to pursue partnership and development, rather than allowing the region to become an arena for external rivalries, could have serious consequences.

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in Eldoret, Kenya, as the Guest of Honor to attend the Mashujaa Day celebrations. The Mashujaa Day is a national holiday honoring those who have contributed to the country’s freedom, sovereignty, and development, Office of the Prime Minister stated.

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia is making significant contributions to Africa’s efforts to advance geospatial information and space observation for data driven development planning and evidence-based policymaking, a senior official of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has said. Speaking exclusively to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Andre Nonguierma, Chief of ECA’s Geospatial Information Management Section, highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in developing national space capabilities and applying satellite-based technologies to support development. He noted that Ethiopia’s satellite launches and growing use of Earth observation systems have strengthened its capacity to collect essential data for national planning, policymaking and development monitoring. Nonguierma described geospatial information as critical infrastructure for sustainable development, explaining that reliable location based data enables governments to identify community needs, guide infrastructure development and track progress over time. He emphasized the need for African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and pool resources to develop integrated geospatial and Earth observation systems linked to official statistics. Such integration, he said, would help countries improve development planning, strengthen evidence-based policymaking and make more informed decisions. Nonguierma also highlighted Ethiopia’s engagement in global geospatial governance, citing its role on the bureau of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). Echoing his views, Nonmcebo Nkonyane-Simelane, a land surveyor at the Surveyor General’s Department of the Kingdom of Eswatini, said Ethiopia’s achievements in geospatial information management offer valuable lessons for other African countries. She stressed that continental cooperation enables countries to share experiences, learn from established practices and strengthen their national geospatial capabilities. They made the remarks during the Tenth Session of the Statistical Commission for Africa, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa. Convened under the theme “Unleashing the Value of Data in Africa: Making Official Statistics a True Mirror of the Continent,” the session brings together African statistical leaders and international development partners to strengthen statistical systems and enhance the contribution of data to development policy. The event also includes the Twelfth Meeting of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Africa (UN-GGIM: Africa), which focuses on using geospatial information to promote sustainable development and monitor progress. The meetings aim to strengthen Africa’s statistical systems through greater technical cooperation, improved data integration and collaborative approaches to evidence-based policymaking.

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s historical experience in naval operations and maritime engagement can significantly contribute to addressing security challenges in the Red Sea region, CEO of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Project Coordination Office, Aregawi Berhe, said. Speaking to ENA, Aregawi emphasized that Ethiopia had maintained maritime connections for centuries, using Red Sea ports and shipping routes for trade, national defense and the development of naval capabilities. He cited Zeila, Massawa and Assab as ports historically connected to Ethiopia, noting that the country’s loss of direct access to the sea had not erased its legal rights and historical ties in maritime affairs. Aregawi further emphasized the importance of presenting Ethiopia’s legal, historical and operational experience to the international community while pursuing access through legal and diplomatic channels. He said the country’s approach to safeguarding its national interests had gained renewed attention following the political reforms. “During the EPRDF regime, no meaningful diplomatic work was done. Work that was outright contradictory was done. Work that opposed Ethiopia's interests were carried out,” Aregawi said. Aregawi also clarified that the Ethiopian government has genuinely taken up the belief of safeguarding Ethiopia's national interests. The CEO noted the public support for Ethiopia’s maritime interests, saying that alignment between the government and the public has been strengthening the country’s efforts to pursue its objectives. “The Ethiopian people are also grasping this understanding and supporting it. Therefore, if there is alignment between the government and the people, there is no reason why we cannot secure our rights,” he noted. Aregawi further argued that Ethiopia’s long-standing state institutions and experience in governance could contribute to stability in the Red Sea region and beyond. He also stressed that the development of naval capabilities could help Ethiopia protect its national interests while contributing to maritime security in the wider region. “Ethiopia is a country with a long history that has established governmental system since ancient times. This ancient governmental system has made Ethiopia subject to law and order,” he said. According to the CEO, this capacity, when strengthened and deployed, can serve not only as an anchor for the immediate Red Sea region but also as a foundation for the entire continent. Aregawi further elaborated that the GERD has demonstrated Ethiopia’s capacity to undertake similar major national initiatives through domestic expertise and collective effort, while expressing confidence that similar determination and cooperation could support the country’s maritime ambitions and efforts to contribute to regional peace and security.

By Staff Writer   October 18, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia has concluded the week with a series of significant political, diplomatic, economic and security developments, underscoring its determination to consolidate domestic stability, deepen international partnerships and strengthen its strategic role in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. From establishing a six-month caretaker administration in Tigray to advancing economic diplomacy at the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Ethiopia has pursued multiple priorities aimed at strengthening national stability and accelerating development. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further highlighted Ethiopia’s active bilateral engagement. Meanwhile a security briefing for foreign military attachés underscored the government’s emphasis on safeguarding national sovereignty and addressing information gaps surrounding the country’s security situation. Beyond immediate political and security priorities, the week also featured renewed calls for national unity, stronger technological capacity and climate resilience, alongside a broader national ambition to secure reliable maritime access and expand Ethiopia’s contribution to regional peace and economic integration. As Ethiopia begins a new five-year political chapter under the Medemer Government, these developments reflect an interconnected agenda: consolidating peace at home, mobilizing resources for development and advancing the country’s interests through regional cooperation and international engagement. Caretaker Administration in Tigray Region Ethiopia’s federal government has established a six-month caretaker administration for the Tigray Region, with a mandate to restore peace, revive public institutions and services, rebuild war-damaged infrastructure and prepare the ground for free and transparent elections. The decision followed a resolution by the House of Federation and a subsequent binding decision by the Council of Ministers to establish a provisional administration for the region. According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, the measure came after repeated efforts to resolve the conflict through the Pretoria Agreement encountered obstacles attributed to the TPLF leadership. The statement accused the leadership of undermining the peace process and returning to conflict, arguing that the region’s population should not be trapped in a recurring cycle of violence. The federal government emphasized that lasting peace requires prioritizing development, strengthening Tigray’s place within Ethiopia’s federal system and deepening cooperation with the country’s other peoples. The caretaker administration is expected to restore the functioning of government institutions, facilitate the resumption of essential social services, rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and support the return of internally displaced people to their homes. The initiative places institutional recovery, peace and the restoration of essential services at the center of efforts to address the region’s challenges. Its implementation and progress toward credible elections will be important indicators of whether the transitional arrangement can help establish a more stable political environment. Ethiopia Intensifies Economic Diplomacy, Seeks Fresh Investment Capital Ethiopia has stepped up its international economic engagement at the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, seeking to translate ongoing economic reforms and progress on debt restructuring into stronger investment partnerships and development financing. The Ethiopian delegation, led by National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Dr. Eyob Tekalign and including State Minister of Finance Tiguist Fisseha, engaged with international financial institutions, development partners and senior financial officials on the country’s economic priorities. The meetings provided a platform to discuss macroeconomic reforms, financial stability, debt sustainability, private investment and financing for Ethiopia’s development ambitions. Governor Eyob emphasized that Ethiopia is increasingly looking beyond debt restructuring toward attracting fresh investment capital and building high-value international partnerships that reflect the country’s market size, economic potential and development priorities. The shift comes as Ethiopia advances negotiations with external creditors. According to the delegation’s account, agreements with bilateral creditors have been finalized, while negotiations with commercial lenders are progressing following an agreement in principle with Eurobond holders. The delegation also held engagements with representatives of international financial institutions and partner countries to explore opportunities for closer cooperation and investment. For Ethiopia, the objective extends beyond securing additional financing. It is also about strengthening investor confidence, expanding access to development resources and ensuring that international partnerships support the country’s long-term economic transformation. As the country continues implementing economic reforms, the ability to convert international commitments into productive investment, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods will remain a central test of its economic diplomacy. Ethiopia Reaffirms Sovereignty as Foreign Military Attachés Receive Security Briefing Ethiopia has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity as foreign military attachés received an update on the country’s security situation at Bishoftu Air Force Base. The briefing provided foreign military representatives with information on developments over the preceding three weeks, including security incidents and measures taken by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). The representatives were also shown weapons reportedly captured during recent security operations in Tigray and adjoining areas. According to accounts of the briefing, the military attachés described the direct exchange as useful in clarifying information gaps and addressing reports circulating on social media and other media platforms. They also expressed support for Ethiopia’s right to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. High-Level Telephone Diplomacy Strengthens Ethiopia’s International Engagement Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held separate telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing bilateral relations and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Following his conversation with Netanyahu, the Prime Minister described the exchange as fruitful and constructive, noting that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and key regional developments. He also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation. In his conversation with Rubio, PM Abiy discussed opportunities to translate the longstanding Ethiopia–United States relationship into a more strategic and practical partnership. The Prime Minister welcomed Washington’s assurance of continued support for Ethiopia and emphasized the shared interest in advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and multilateral priorities. The engagements reflect Ethiopia’s continued efforts to maintain high-level dialogue with international partners while advancing its diplomatic and strategic interests. For a country whose economic and security priorities are closely connected to developments across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the wider Middle East, sustained diplomatic engagement remains important to building partnerships, addressing shared concerns and supporting regional cooperation. National Flag Day Renews Call for Unity, Consensus and Shared Prosperity Ethiopia marked its 19th National Flag Day on October 12 under the theme “Our Flag for National Consensus and Unity,” renewing calls for national cohesion, respect for diversity and collective responsibility for the country’s future. In his message marking the occasion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that national unity is fundamental to Ethiopia’s pursuit of prosperity and that the national flag represents the country’s shared history, sovereignty and strength in diversity. The observance came at a time when consolidating peace, strengthening public institutions and broadening national consensus remain important priorities for Ethiopia’s political transition. Beyond its symbolic significance, National Flag Day offered an opportunity to highlight the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among Ethiopia’s diverse communities. The message reinforced the idea that sustainable development requires more than economic growth: it also depends on social cohesion, shared responsibility and the ability to pursue common national objectives while respecting the country’s diversity. Technology and Meteorological Capacity Advance Climate Resilience Ethiopia has underscored the growing importance of scientific research, technological advancement and reliable data infrastructure in strengthening climate resilience and supporting national development. During a visit to the Ethiopia Meteorology Institute, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the institution’s role in generating meteorological information and improving the country’s capacity to anticipate and respond to changing weather conditions. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for continuous data collection, scientific research and technological modernization to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the use of weather and climate information. Reliable meteorological services are critical to several key sectors of the Ethiopian economy, particularly agriculture, water management, energy, transportation and disaster preparedness. Improved forecasting and early-warning systems can help communities and public institutions prepare for extreme weather events, reduce potential losses and make better-informed development decisions. As climate-related risks increasingly affect African economies, strengthening national forecasting and early-warning capacity will also contribute to wider efforts to protect livelihoods and support sustainable development. Ethiopia’s New Political Chapter Places Sea Access and Regional Integration in Focus As Ethiopia enters a new five-year political chapter under the Medemer Government, sovereign sea access remains a prominent national strategic and economic ambition. As one of the world’s most populous landlocked countries, Ethiopia has a substantial interest in securing dependable access to maritime trade routes through mutually beneficial arrangements with regional partners. Reliable sea access could help reduce logistical constraints, improve export competitiveness, attract investment and strengthen Ethiopia’s integration into regional and global markets. The issue also carries wider regional significance. Ethiopia’s economic growth, population size and position at the heart of the Horn of Africa mean that maritime connectivity has implications for trade, infrastructure development and cross-border economic cooperation. Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access therefore intersects with a broader national agenda: strengthening economic resilience, diversifying trade routes and building regional partnerships that can generate shared prosperity. Ethiopia’s Maritime Ambition Linked to Red Sea Stability Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access featured prominently in the week’s strategic agenda, reflecting the country’s economic interests and the Red Sea’s critical role in global trade and security. With its strategic position, economic potential and longstanding peacekeeping record, Ethiopia could contribute to regional maritime security and protect vital trade routes through constructive cooperation with coastal states, respect for international law and mutually beneficial arrangements. Reliable maritime access, stronger regional cooperation and a stable Red Sea are interconnected priorities that could unlock trade, investment and shared prosperity across the Horn of Africa. Tana Forum Positions Ethiopia at the Center of Africa’s Peace and Security Dialogue Ethiopia is preparing to host the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar from October 23 to 25, bringing African leaders, policymakers, researchers and security experts together to examine the continent’s evolving peace and security challenges. The forum’s theme, “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation,” reflects growing recognition that sustainable peace is closely linked to economic independence, institutional strength and Africa’s capacity to navigate intensifying global geopolitical competition. Across the continent, conflicts, political instability, external rivalries and economic vulnerabilities continue to complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace and development. The Tana Forum offers an opportunity to examine how African countries can strengthen locally driven responses, deepen regional cooperation and align peace and security strategies with the continent’s development priorities. Its emphasis on economic sovereignty also highlights the importance of mobilizing domestic resources, building resilient economies and ensuring that African countries have greater capacity to shape decisions affecting their futures. For Ethiopia, hosting the forum reinforces Addis Ababa’s and the country’s wider role in continental diplomacy and provides an additional platform for advancing dialogue on African-led solutions to shared challenges. Looking Ahead: Connecting National Stability with Regional Opportunity This week’s developments illustrate the interconnected nature of Ethiopia’s domestic priorities and international ambitions. The caretaker administration in Tigray region places peace, institutional recovery and the restoration of public services at the center of the country’s internal challenges. Economic diplomacy in Bangkok reflects an effort to turn reform and debt-restructuring progress into fresh investment and development financing. High-level telephone conversations and military briefings demonstrate continued engagement with international partners on diplomatic and security issues. At the same time, National Flag Day, investments in meteorological capacity and preparations for the Tana Forum highlight the importance of national cohesion, technological modernization and African-led approaches to peace and development. Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign sea access adds a longer-term strategic dimension to this agenda, linking economic competitiveness with regional connectivity and the stability of the Red Sea. All in all, these priorities point to a broader national objective: consolidating stability at home, mobilizing resources for inclusive development and building international partnerships that advance Ethiopia’s interests while contributing to regional cooperation.