ADDIS ABABA (Somaliguardian) – Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has issued one of his strongest warnings yet as tensions with neighbouring Eritrea intensify, declaring that Addis Ababa will “shake off its enemies one by one, like hair lice”, Addis Standard reported on Monday.
Delivering a televised address during celebrations marking the 20th Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and People’s Day in the southern city of Hossana, Mr Abiy urged citizens to unify against what he described as hostile external forces seeking to exploit Ethiopia’s internal challenges.
“When outsiders rise up in malice to eclipse our aspirations, Ethiopians must not become tools for their interests; because a rope entangled by them neither unties nor binds,” he said.
The prime minister, whose government has faced mounting political, economic and security crises, warned that foreign interference risked deepening national divisions. “When we should be united with each other, let us not let the desire of the outsiders with evil thoughts enter within us so that we are not condemned by history,” he told the crowd.
Tensions between Addis Ababa and Asmara have risen sharply in recent months, with officials on both sides trading hostile statements and military manoeuvres reported along parts of the border. Diplomatic efforts to cool the situation have so far produced little progress.
Mr Abiy insisted Ethiopia would prevail over its current problems, portraying the nation’s difficulties as stepping stones rather than setbacks. “No challenge, no provocation, no evil scheme can stop Ethiopia from achieving prosperity,” he said. “We will transform every challenge into an opportunity and accelerate Ethiopia’s prosperity. We will strengthen Ethiopia’s unity. We will shake off Ethiopia’s enemies one by one, like hair lice.”
The combative remarks, among the most vivid the prime minister has made in recent years, reflect growing anxiety in the region as Ethiopia confronts internal unrest and strained relations with its neighbours.
Officials close to the prime minister say the government aims to rally public support and deter what it sees as attempts by external actors to weaken Ethiopia at a moment of fragility. However, analysts warn that such rhetoric risks escalating an already volatile situation.
Mr Abiy, who came to power in 2018 promising democratic reforms and regional reconciliation, now faces the challenge of stabilising a nation still reeling from years of conflict and political turmoil.
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