AMN Plus – October 9, 2026
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has underscored the need for Ethiopia to strengthen its national capacity to navigate the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea basin, the Persian Gulf, and the wider Middle East.
Speaking during the formation of the Medemer Government, the Prime Minister said the region was undergoing profound transformation, driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics and intensifying competition among global powers.
“Our neighbors; the Horn of Africa; the Red Sea basin; the Persian Gulf; European geopolitics; the dynamics of the Middle East—all are being swept by waves of change from every direction,” he said.
Abiy noted that Ethiopia’s strategic location at the intersection of East Africa, the Red Sea region, and the Indian Ocean presents both significant challenges and opportunities.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime passage for global trade and energy transportation, emphasizing the implications of regional developments for Ethiopia’s national interests.
The Prime Minister recalled that competition among major powers has historically shaped the region and influenced Ethiopia’s political and strategic trajectory. He noted that successive geopolitical rivalries involving Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Portuguese, Turks, British, and French powers had brought both consequences and opportunities for the country.
According to Abiy, these rivalries repeatedly compelled Ethiopia to redirect its attention from development toward defending its sovereignty. He added that changes in the country’s access to the sea and the gradual contraction of its sphere of influence were shaped not only by domestic decisions but also by external geopolitical pressures.
“We believe that if we can confront this turmoil with strength, we will prevail; conversely, should we falter, defeat will be inevitable,” he said, stressing that national preparedness and institutional capacity are essential to safeguarding Ethiopia’s interests amid the evolving international order.
“When we possessed the capacity, we determined our own destiny. Yet, when we were weak, others made decisions for us,” Abiy said, recalling periods when Ethiopia exercised a wider regional reach, extending from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
He further noted that Ethiopia now faces a changing international environment at a time when access to strategic opportunities has become increasingly challenging. As the global order continues to evolve, he stressed that countries that respond swiftly to emerging realities and build strong national capabilities will be better positioned to succeed.
“We are launching this new government precisely as our region is being swept by these winds of change,” the Prime Minister said, underscoring the importance of strategic readiness as Ethiopia begins a new phase of government.
By Birhanu Workneh
