Eritrea Pursuing Strategy of Weakening Ethiopia, Says PM Advisor

Addis Ababa, June 25, 2026 (ENA)__The regime in Eritrea has continued pursuing its strategic survival calculus of weakening Ethiopia, East African Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Getachew Reda, underscored.

Speaking at a national security conference organized by the Ethiopian National Defense College in Addis Ababa today, the Advisor said Eritrea’s strategic calculations are deeply intertwined with Ethiopia’s internal stability, security, and overall national trajectory.

A stable, united, and prosperous Ethiopia would fundamentally challenge the strategic foundations upon which the Eritrean regime has long depended, Getachew noted.

According to him, the historical relationship between the two neighboring countries has played a significant role in shaping political developments in Ethiopia.

The rise and fall of successive Ethiopian governments have, in various ways, been influenced by their approaches toward Eritrea and broader regional dynamics.

Reflecting on Ethiopia’s modern political history, Getachew said the administrations of Emperor Haile Selassie, the Derg military regime, and the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front each encountered challenges linked to their handling of relations with Eritrea and domestic governance issues.

“In the current context, the Eritrean regime’s strategic calculation for its continued existence is closely tied to Ethiopia’s overall survival and security,” the Advisor stated.

Getachew further pointed out that Eritrea’s leadership continues to pursue a long-term strategy aimed at undermining Ethiopia’s stability.

However, he expressed confidence that such efforts would ultimately fail, emphasizing Ethiopia’s resilience and capacity to overcome both external and internal challenges.

Underscoring the importance of drawing lessons from history, Getachew called for a strategic and forward-looking approach to national security and regional relations.

“To effectively safeguard Ethiopia’s national security, it is essential to understand historical processes accurately and manage future relations with caution, wisdom, and strategic foresight.”

Furthermore, the Advisor stressed the importance of regional economic cooperation as a pillar of Ethiopia’s long-term security and prosperity.

He argued that deeper economic integration, expanded infrastructure networks, and enhanced cross-border trade could strengthen Ethiopia’s regional influence while creating shared opportunities for neighboring countries.

By promoting interconnected development and mutually beneficial partnerships, the Advisor said, Ethiopia can advance both its national interests and broader regional stability, laying the groundwork for sustainable peace and collective prosperity across the Horn of Africa.

Turning to developments in Tigray region, Getachew condemned the leadership of the defunct Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) for placing political ambitions above the interests and well-being of the people of Tigray.

Elements within the group remain focused on regaining political influence at the federal level, a pursuit he described as detached from current political realities.

The Advisor further underlined the need to distinguish between the TPLF leadership and the broader population of Tigray.

He revealed that many residents of the region are increasingly seeking alternatives, pointing to youth migration and concerns over forced recruitment as indicators of growing public dissatisfaction.

Finally, Getachew stressed that lasting peace in Tigray region requires prioritizing economic recovery, job creation, and community-centered development initiatives that restore hope and improve livelihoods.

Sustainable peace and national stability cannot be secured solely through political arrangements, but rather through addressing citizens’ basic needs, accelerating economic development, and strengthening people-to-people ties.