Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was sworn in for a second five-year term on Monday, pledging to strengthen Ethiopia’s influence in the region and saying the country would work to secure access to the sea.
Abiy told parliament that Ethiopia would pursue its national interests independently while maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbours. His inauguration comes as renewed fighting in the northern Tigray region has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, with federal forces recently recapturing the regional capital Mekelle.
“Ethiopia is not merely an anchor of the region; it will demonstrate that it is a decisive force in the region, not by charity, but by its might,” Abiy said. He later told lawmakers: “Since Ethiopia's development and civilization cannot be fully realized without access to the sea, we will work diligently to secure a maritime gateway for Ethiopia.”
Abiy’s emphasis on sea access comes as relations with Eritrea have deteriorated sharply. Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic ties last week after Addis Ababa accused Asmara of backing an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, allegations Eritrea denies. Eritrea has also expressed fears that Ethiopia could seek access to its Red Sea port of Assab by force, while Abiy has said Ethiopia intends to pursue access peacefully.