We shall seek access to sea diplomatically, says Ethiopia's new president

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Taye Atske, the newly appointed president of Ethiopia, says his country shall seek access to the sea diplomatically, by embracing the principle of give and take, a clear drift from the previous approach which was highly criticized.

Ethiopia is fighting to gain access to the sea for the construction of a port and military base and has since approached Somaliland for 20 20-kilometer stake in the Red Sea, in exchange for recognition of the breakaway state of Somalia. However, Somalia has condemned the approach.

While addressing the joint session of the People's Representatives House and the House of Federation, Atske Selassie said the country is actively seeking access to the sea through a give-and-take approach.

Ethiopia’s efforts in this regard will continue unabated, employing a strategic approach that prioritizes mutual benefit and cooperation, he said, in what could further heighten tensions in the Horn of Africa.

The president explained that the efforts Ethiopia began in pursuit of port and sea access using this alternative approach have been strengthened and will proceed strongly. Ethiopia shall seek more partners, he added.

In the diplomatic field, he emphasized the continued work to strengthen bilateral relations with neighboring countries to safeguard national interests. He also highlighted the importance of peace and security issues, regional integration, economic matters, and shared benefits achieved through ongoing cooperation.

The agreement with Somaliland is contested by Somalia, which maintains Ethiopia will not take part in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) which replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025.

Somalia blames Ethiopia for annexation of its territories and has since signed a military pact with Egypt geared towards protecting its waters. Mediation talks started by Turkey are yet to realize any tangible solution, with Somalia insisting on the revocation of the agreement before talks.

GAROWE ONLINE