Abiy was sworn in on Monday before pledging to strengthen Ethiopia’s regional influence and renewing the landlocked country’s demand for access to the Red Sea.
Ethiopia lost direct access to the coast when Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Neighbouring coastal countries have maintained that Red Sea access and responsibility rest with the states bordering the waterway.
Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst Dr David Matsanga said access to the sea would remain an important foreign-policy objective during Abiy’s second term. “The real pressure for Ethiopia is to get a route to the sea,” Matsanga said.
Ethiopia currently depends heavily on Djibouti for maritime trade and has explored alternatives involving Somaliland.
Matsanga said Ethiopia’s substantial economy and infrastructure investment could support wider development across the Horn of Africa. However, regional disagreements over maritime access should be resolved through diplomacy.
Matsanga also urged Abiy to pursue dialogue with opposition parties and armed groups operating within Ethiopia. “Make peace, make dialogue. Don’t listen to these warmongers who want to fight and fight,” Matsanga said.
Ethiopia continues to face political divisions and unresolved tensions following the 2020-2022 civil war.
The Pretoria peace agreement ended major hostilities between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, but instability continues in parts of the country.
Matsanga said the reconciliation process should include political and armed groups that were not sufficiently represented during previous negotiations.
Matsanga proposed an approach centred on “reconciliation, accountability, reparation, restitution and, above all, healing”.
Economic recovery and improved living conditions should also become priorities following major infrastructure development. “You have done infrastructure. Now you need to give people jobs. You need to give people shelter. You need to give people food. You need to give people hospitals. You need to give people good schools,” Matsanga said.
Abiy’s second term is expected to be shaped by efforts to stabilise Ethiopia, rebuild public trust, create employment and secure reliable access to international trade routes.
Matsanga said the African Union (AU) should support inclusive dialogue within Ethiopia and help neighbouring countries resolve regional disputes peacefully.
–ChannelAfrica–
