PM Abiy Says Eritrea Has Lost Its Former Economic Potential Since Secession

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in an interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, stated that Eritrea has significantly lost its former economic potential since its secession from Ethiopia. He recalled that the region previously possessed over 300 industries and thriving urban centers, contrasting this with their current state of decline. He specifically described Asmara as having become smaller than many developing Ethiopian cities, and labeled the port cities of Massawa and Assab as economically inactive or near 'ghost towns.'

The Prime Minister attributed this decline to the Eritrean government's failure to prioritize development, suggesting that its policies have instead focused on serving forces opposed to Ethiopia. He argued that while the Eritrean people are industrious, the current path of confrontation and reliance on external entities offers no lasting solutions to the nation's hardships. He emphasized that regional partnership and development cooperation remain the only viable path forward, warning that continuing to allow the region to become a battleground for external rivalries could lead to serious consequences.