Africa-Press. The advisor to the Ethiopian Prime Minister for East African Affairs, Kitetu Reda, stated that the establishment of the Eritrean state was linked, in his view, to the goal of weakening Ethiopia, asserting that the forces that supported Eritrea’s independence during that period were motivated by this intention.
Kitetu made these remarks during the annual national security conference organized by the Ethiopian National Defense College, where he said that Eritrea’s independence was achieved, according to his perspective, within a strategic framework aimed at undermining Ethiopia. He added that this assessment is based on known data that is not subject to debate.
The Ethiopian official also accused the Eritrean government of continuing to adopt policies that pose a threat to Ethiopian security, claiming that it is working to support and organize forces within the country to undermine internal stability.
Kitetu emphasized that addressing these challenges requires, first and foremost, tackling internal weaknesses and strengthening state cohesion, calling for prioritizing internal reforms as a foundation for enhancing security and stability.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent months after Ethiopia expressed its desire to take control of the port of Assab in eastern Eritrea, as this port was a pillar of Ethiopia’s economy until 1991, when Eritrea gained independence, leaving Ethiopia landlocked with no access to the sea. It is a deep port with seven docks, located only 75 kilometers from the Ethiopian border; however, Ethiopia transports 90% of its goods to ports via Djibouti.
Official media and Ethiopian politicians have fueled public anger, stating that it is their right to reclaim the port. Major General Teishumi Gimechu, a prominent leader in the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, declared that controlling the port “has become a necessity for our survival, and we are willing to pay any price for it.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that the “mistake” of losing access to the Red Sea will be “corrected.”
