Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s remarks about seeking “peaceful access” to the Red Sea highlight Ethiopia’s strategic interest in securing a direct maritime route, which it currently lacks.
Ethiopia’s landlocked status has prompted a reliance on neighboring countries, primarily Djibouti, for port access.
PM Abiy’s statement suggests a preference for diplomatic and cooperative approaches over any form of conflict to achieve this aim, emphasizing a long-term vision for Ethiopia’s economic and geopolitical goals.
His message also reflects a generational commitment, implying that if current efforts are unsuccessful, future Ethiopian leaders might continue the pursuit, underscoring the issue’s enduring significance for the nation.
Ethiopia attempted to address this problem through the agreement it signed with Somaliland early this year.
The Ethiopia-Somaliland direct seaport access deal has attracted the wrath of Somalia, which accuses it of breaching the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.