Sidelining Ethiopia in Red Sea Affairs Impractical: Former PM Hailemariam

Addis Ababa, October 28, 2026 (ENA)— Efforts to address Red Sea affairs without Ethiopia’s involvement are impractical, according to former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

He stressed that the country’s participation is essential to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.

Speaking exclusively to ENA, Hailemariam said Ethiopia’s population, geography, history, strategic position, and economic interests make it an indispensable stakeholder in Red Sea dynamics.

He described Ethiopia as an anchor country in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, emphasizing that sustainable regional peace and stability require its active engagement.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s demographic significance, the former prime minister said the country’s population is comparable to, or may exceed, the combined population of other countries in the region.

“Ethiopia is an anchor country in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region. The population of this country may equal or exceed that of other countries in the region combined. Therefore, Ethiopia must be able to engage properly in Red Sea affairs,” he said.

Hailemariam cautioned that attempts to manage the Red Sea corridor without Ethiopia’s participation risk overlooking key demographic and geopolitical realities that shape regional relations.

He underlined that Ethiopia should be included in regional dialogues, consultations, and decision-making processes concerning peace and security in the Red Sea and the wider Horn of Africa.

“You cannot make the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region peaceful without Ethiopia being involved in it,” he said, underscoring the country’s role in regional affairs.

The former prime minister further emphasized that regional cooperation, rather than exclusion, is essential to addressing shared security challenges, reducing tensions, and promoting economic integration.

He noted that recognizing Ethiopia’s strategic interests and including the country in regional initiatives would help advance peace, stability, and mutually beneficial cooperation across the Red Sea and the wider Horn of Africa.