Ethiopia Seeks Peaceful Red Sea Access for Economic Growth, Says PM Abiy Ahmed

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has underscored Ethiopia's pursuit of peaceful access to the Red Sea, emphasizing the critical need for a maritime outlet that would bolster the country's burgeoning economy and serve its expanding population, which now surpasses 120 million.

In his speech to Parliament, PM Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia's commitment to non-violent means in achieving this strategic goal. "We seek access to the Red Sea peacefully, as is fitting for a nation of our size and growing economy," he declared, emphasizing that the ambition is rooted in economic necessity rather than territorial aggression.

Ethiopia's historical and economic ties to the Red Sea are profound, dating back to the Aksumite Kingdom, which engaged in maritime trade through the ports of Adulis and Massawa. This historical precedence underpins Ethiopia's current diplomatic endeavors.

The Prime Minister's vision includes leveraging the extensive coastline of the Horn of Africa, stretching over 5,000 kilometers from Massawa in Eritrea to Mogadishu in Somalia, to negotiate access. This ambition is not merely about trade routes but also about establishing Ethiopia as a significant player in regional geopolitics.

Recent developments, such as the 2024 memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, illustrate this strategy. This agreement reportedly includes Ethiopia leasing sea access around the port city of Berbera for 50 years, aiming for future recognition of Somaliland's sovereignty, a move that could set a precedent in international relations.

However, these diplomatic maneuvers have not been without controversy. The agreement with Somaliland has sparked opposition from Somalia, since Somaliland is part of its territory, highlighting the complex regional dynamics at play.

Ethiopia's approach also involves leveraging its assets, like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), in negotiations, showcasing its commitment to regional cooperation and resource sharing.

The quest for Red Sea access is for Ethiopia not just an economic strategy but also a geopolitical one, aiming to secure its position in one of the world's most strategic maritime routes. While PM Abiy has managed to navigate these waters with a vision of peace and mutual benefit, the international community watches closely, aware that the balance between economic aspiration and regional stability is delicate.

As Ethiopia continues to engage in these complex negotiations, the global and regional implications of its success or failure in securing Red Sea access could reshape power dynamics in the Horn of Africa and beyond, influencing trade, security, and diplomatic relations across the continent.

GAROWE ONLINE