At the launch of his new book, The Medemer Government, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed outlined a national vision for a prosperous and sovereign Ethiopia, asserting that the country will pursue its vital need for sea access through peaceful negotiations and under international law, not through conflict.
The Prime Minister declared that Ethiopia’s ambition is to break free from the constraints of being a "geographical prisoner," a mindset he described as a "spiritual fracture." He emphasized that his administration does not believe that achieving access to the Red Sea requires war.
"We do not believe that this issue requires war or fighting," he stated. "We have been pleading for five years. But now, in peace and under international law, Ethiopia must free itself from the closed door that has made it poor."
Abiy extended a hand of cooperation to regional partners, saying, “If there is a party that agrees to negotiate with Ethiopia in a peaceful manner, our hand is more extended than ever before.” He urged neighboring countries to recognize the inevitability of this path and to prepare for timely dialogue.
He connected this commitment to peaceful engagement with his broader philosophy of inclusive governance, stating that both he and his book are imperfect. He openly welcomed opposing viewpoints, telling critics, "If you present something that contradicts the book, we are ready not only to read but also to learn, and beyond learning, to testify that your ideas may be superior to ours."
The Prime Minister distinguished between constructive criticism and hollow debate, emphasizing that his government remains focused on tangible progress. "The 'Medemer' government has no time to compete for credit over success," he added, stating that it would simply say, "It is yours," to the people and move on to the next task.
Abiy concluded with a powerful message on legacy, saying, "We are all mortals. But a person who dies after creating an immortal history, their name will be passed down through generations forever." He stressed that the ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact, not to get bogged down in disputes over past achievements.
