rime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated that although the Pretoria Peace Agreement has brought many benefits, some dissatisfied forces have questioned its acceptance. Beyond the TPLF, certain actors believed the destruction in Tigray should have continued, subsequently distancing themselves in disagreement and attempting to cooperate with one another. Currently, forces in Tigray are reportedly carrying out daily provocations that could trigger new conflicts and a renewed war.
Prime Minister Abiy highlighted that, most concerningly, many Tigrayan youths are being forcibly recruited and sent to fight and lose their lives in the ongoing war in Sudan—a conflict they neither understand nor have any connection to. He noted that the people of Tigray are not the creators of these problems but are bearing the consequences, suffering from an unseen, deep internal wound. He further stated that, in reality, there are currently more people of Tigrayan origin living peacefully and moving freely without fear in places such as Dessie, Gondar, Addis Ababa, and Adama than those living within Tigray itself.
Turning to foreign affairs and sovereignty during a time of global change, the Prime Minister outlined three key principles based on strategic self-reliance to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests, foreign policy, and sovereignty. The first pillar is resilience, which focuses on building strong institutional capacity to withstand external pressures through domestic capabilities. The second is leveraging opportunities, involving the ability to transform challenges into strategic and positive development opportunities. The third pillar is shaping the country's path, enabling Ethiopia to formulate its own national agenda and confidently engage with and influence global affairs. Guided by these three pillars, PM Abiy affirmed that Ethiopia will not allow any external actors to interfere in any of its national decisions.
