Addis Ababa (Hornpost) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told lawmakers on Thursday that there were “legal irregularities” surrounding how Ethiopia lost access to the Red Sea following Eritrea’s independence, arguing that no authorized state institution formally approved the decision.
Speaking at session of Ethiopian parliament, Abiy said the move that left Ethiopia landlocked was not passed by a council of ministers, not ratified by parliament, and that no public referendum was conducted.
“When we reviewed the documents of the council of ministers, there was nothing. The cabinet was not informed, parliament knew nothing, and there was no national referendum,” he told MPs. “Even those of us who lived during that time know it was never legally approved.”
The Prime Minister described the loss of Ethiopia’s coastline as a “30-year struggle” that ended without a properly documented legal mandate. However, he stressed that Ethiopia is not seeking military confrontation and prefers a peaceful and diplomatic path.
Abiy also delivered a pointed message to Eritrea, cautioning against actions that could inflame regional tensions.
“To our brothers in Eritrea, we do not want war,” he said. “But do not become dispatchers of bullets. Be a nation. It is not acceptable for neighboring countries to transfer arms across borders.”
He added that Ethiopia remains focused on large development projects rather than conflict, noting that war brings predictable destruction and no meaningful gain. “No country will come to save you. The only result is loss and cries,” he said.
The remarks come amid a period of strained relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara, following years of uneasy diplomacy, regional suspicion and disputes involving Red Sea access and security arrangements.
Hornpost staff Reporter
