Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.) has expressed deep regret over Ethiopia's landlocked status, a condition that has persisted for the past 30 years. During the fourth part of the interview with ETV, the Prime Minister underscored the profound sorrow he feels regarding the country's loss of access to the sea, a sentiment he asserts is not new.
"The way Ethiopia lost its access to the sea deeply saddens me," Prime Minister Abiy stated. He elaborated that while some might perceive his regret as a recent development, his position on the matter dates back over a decade. "When I say 'it saddens me,' many might think it's a contemporary sentiment," he remarked. "However, this isn't something that emerged when I became Prime Minister; videos from fifteen or even ten years ago confirm my consistent stance."
The Prime Minister highlighted the significant economic and strategic disadvantages Ethiopia has endured as a result of being landlocked. He suggested that the nation could have leveraged port access and mitigated its losses without negatively impacting other countries.
Prime Minister Abiy also articulated a broader philosophy concerning national stability. "I don't believe that a damaged and broken country will bring lasting, stable peace," he asserted. He characterized Ethiopia's prolonged landlocked state as an "unprecedented injustice" in the global history of landlocked nations, advocating for its resolution through dialogue.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister reflected on what he perceives as a detrimental self-perception among Ethiopians. "The extent to which we disparage ourselves deeply saddens me," he confessed. "I've had the opportunity to observe many nations; Ethiopia is not a country that should disparage itself, nor should Ethiopians. The degree to which we diminish ourselves while magnifying others is truly regrettable." He underscored that this internal critique has led to significant national setbacks.
In light of these concerns, Prime Minister Abiy affirmed his dedicated efforts towards fostering a new generation. He stated that he is working tirelessly to cultivate a generation that is proud of its national heritage, capable of constructive dialogue, and free from the tendency to disparage its own identity.