Former President Dr. Mulatu Teshome Addresses Sea Access and Regional Ties

Former President Dr. Mulatu Teshome stated that Ethiopia's quest for sea access is a historical right and a matter of economic survival. He accused Egypt of working to destabilize Ethiopia, citing its historical role in supporting Eritrean independence movements to isolate Ethiopia from the sea, and argued that Cairo continues to intervene in Ethiopia's internal affairs. Dr. Mulatu expressed his support for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's recent warning to the Eritrean government regarding its interference. He warned that if Eritrea does not cease its hostile activities, Ethiopia may be forced to act decisively to protect its national interests. While emphasizing that Ethiopia prefers a peaceful and diplomatic resolution, he cautioned that failure to address this issue could perpetuate conflict in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, urging international involvement in mediation.