AMN PLUS- October 20, 2026
Eritrea must stop providing a safe haven for forces hostile to Ethiopia and instead pursue constructive neighborly relations and a partnership for regional development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has said, issuing a strong call for a fundamental shift in Asmara’s approach toward Addis Ababa.
In an interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) in Tigrigna, the Prime Minister argued that Eritrea’s current political and economic trajectory has undermined its development prospects, despite the industrial capacity and economic potential it possessed in earlier decades.
Recalling Eritrea’s industrial base when it was part of Ethiopia, Abiy said the country once had more than 300 factories and was considered among the more industrially developed areas in Africa.
He argued that its subsequent decline reflects the consequences of political choices that have sidelined economic development and the well-being of its people.
The Prime Minister described the conditions in Asmara, Massawa, and Assab as evidence of the country’s deteriorating urban and economic landscape.
He also expressed concern over the hardship and migration facing Eritreans, contrasting the situation with the industrious and hospitable character of the Eritrean people. Abiy attributed these challenges primarily to the policies of the Shaebia administration, accusing it of prioritizing political confrontation and support for Ethiopia’s adversaries over the economic and social needs of its own population.
He further criticized external actors that, according to him, encourage and support the Eritrean government without offering meaningful solutions to the country’s underlying problems. He argued that supplying weapons and providing political backing cannot substitute for policies that deliver peace, stability, and economic progress.
The Prime Minister stressed that the experience of the past 35 years demonstrates the importance of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation between neighboring countries. He called on Eritrea to reconsider its regional posture and replace confrontation with practical cooperation that serves the interests of both nations and their peoples.
Abiy emphasized that Eritrea should become a partner in development rather than a platform for forces seeking to undermine Ethiopia’s security and stability. He presented constructive relations between the two countries as a more sustainable path toward regional peace and shared prosperity.
The Prime Minister also issued a stern warning that failure to respond positively to Ethiopia’s call for a change in direction could carry serious consequences for Eritrea, underscoring the urgency of choosing dialogue and good neighborly relations over continued hostility. His remarks place renewed emphasis on the strategic importance of Ethiopia–Eritrea relations, highlighting the potential consequences of prolonged confrontation for regional stability, economic cooperation, and the wider Horn of Africa.