Ethiopia Pushes for Sea Access, Defies Egypt-Eritrea-Somalia Alliance

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia is determined to get access to sea despite ongoing confrontation with neighbouring countries, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, the head of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said, in what again could trigger political contests within the Horn of Africa.

The Ethiopian army chief said the lack of access to the sea was 'unjust' noting that the quest by Addis Ababa is now “recognized as a just question in the international community.” He was speaking at the 129th anniversary of the Adowa Victory.

"It is only a matter of time before we become a member of the Red Sea community," he said, just a few days after Ethiopia and Somalia commenced technical talks in Ankara over the access to sea request by Ethiopia.

"We are not preparing for minor disturbances; we are preparing to defend against external aggression," he said. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to securing its national interests through peaceful means, adding, "We are building an army that not only defends against aggression but also deters the enemy."

Last week, Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs Badr Abdel-Atty and Eritrea President Isaias Afwerki reiterated their rejection of any involvement by non-littoral Red Sea nations in the area's security and governance, a move targeting Ethiopian.

According to a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry on Saturday, Abdelatty and Afwerki made these remarks following a discussion between the two sides on the latest developments in the region.

Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia formed a Tripartite alliance after a summit that was held sometime in 2024. The tripartite ministerial committee held its first meeting in Cairo in January.

Following that meeting, Abdelatty emphasized in a joint press conference with Eritrean and Somali counterparts that no military or naval presence of any non-littoral state in the Red Sea would be accepted. Egypt and Eritrea have persistently rejected interference in Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ethiopia had signed an agreement with Somaliland for access to 20 kilometers of the Red Sea in exchange for recognition of the breakaway state as a sovereign nation. However, the move was opposed by Somalia, which called for international intervention. However, Turkey intervened, striking a deal for dialogue.

GAROWE ONLINE