Ambassador Dina Mufti addressed "misguided narratives" today, insisting that Ethiopia seeks sea access "solely through peaceful means" and diplomatic cooperation, not through war or invasion.
In an interview with EBC FM Addis 97.1, Ambassador Mufti, who serves as a member of the House of Peoples' Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, acknowledged the presence of a "misguided narrative" suggesting Ethiopia intends to acquire sea access through invasion, war, or conflict.
He stressed that it is crucial to dismantle this false narrative and communicate the truth to the global community. He affirmed clearly that Ethiopia pursues sea access solely through peaceful means.
Ambassador Dina explained that Ethiopia seeks to realize its sea access goal based on the principle of give-and-take, diplomacy, and cooperation. He emphasized that as a rapidly developing nation with soaring import and export trade, the imperative of securing reliable sea access is an issue that cannot be overlooked.
Reiterating a core policy, he affirmed that Ethiopian diplomacy remains centered on national interest. He called upon the current generation to fully grasp the necessity of securing sea access.
Ambassador Dina concluded by citing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as proof of Ethiopia's peaceful intentions, noting that the electricity generated benefits not only Ethiopia but also neighboring countries. He asserted: "We demonstrated with the Renaissance Dam that we do not seek sea access through conflict."