Egypt’s Colonial Mindset Regards Development in Ethiopia, Horn Stability as Threat: EISS President

Addis Ababa, Sept. 3, 2026 (ENA) —The Ethiopian Institute for Strategic Studies (EISS) stated that the political crisis between Ethiopia and Egypt is rooted in a deeply entrenched colonial mindset in Egypt that views Ethiopia’s development and stability in the Horn of Africa as a threat to Egyptian interests.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, EISS President Nuruddin Abda emphasized that the colonial mindset among Egyptian officials remains an obstacle to development and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Nuruddin added the mindset treats Ethiopia’s economic, political and security progress as a challenge to Egypt’s national security, arguing that such an approach cannot resolve tensions between the two countries unless Cairo recognizes the changing realities of the region.

He further elaborated that Egypt should respect Ethiopia’s right to development and its pursuit of national interests rather than portraying Ethiopia’s actions as threats to Egyptian security.

Nuruddin also criticized what he described as double standards in Egypt’s approach to the Horn of Africa, saying Cairo cannot claim the right to operate freely in the region while denying Ethiopia the same right.

“The problem is that the Egyptian political mindset still sees any rise of Ethiopia or stability in the Horn of Africa as a threat, as if the region should remain a security sphere where Egyptian hands and agencies can operate in one way or another,” Nuruddin noted.

He further elaborated such a perspective reflects a fundamental problem in Egypt’s approach to the countries of the Horn of Africa.

“The peoples of the region are not spheres of influence and cannot be treated as instruments in Egypt’s security calculations,” he said.

Addressing Ethiopia’s landlocked status, Nuruddin also stated the country’s need for reliable maritime access has gone beyond trade and has become a matter of national security.

According to him, Ethiopia’s dependence on ports in neighboring countries exposes its trade and supply chains to political and security uncertainties.

“Any instability in the region could disrupt supply chains and directly affect Ethiopia’s economy,” he said.

Nuruddin also noted that Ethiopia’s large population and geographic size make it unrealistic to isolate the country from developments in the surrounding maritime environment.

Ethiopia’s stability is important not only to the country itself but also to the wider Horn of Africa, as well as the Middle East and Gulf regions, he added.

The president further said developments in the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb have a direct bearing on Ethiopia’s security and strategic interests.

He rejected calls for Ethiopia to refrain from taking action concerning the Red Sea, arguing that developments in the area directly affect Ethiopia despite the country being landlocked.