Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopian officials have renewed calls for Somalia and other neighboring countries to respond positively to Ethiopia’s long-standing quest for access to the sea, framing it as a regional development imperative rather than a sovereignty dispute.
During a high-level policy dialogue in Addis Ababa, senior Ethiopian diplomats and government representatives emphasized the country’s urgent need for a maritime outlet to boost economic growth, secure trade routes, and strengthen national resilience.
“Ethiopia’s demand for sea access is a legitimate economic and strategic interest. We believe our neighbors, especially Somalia, should approach this matter constructively, with a spirit of regional cooperation,” said one senior Ethiopian official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Although officials avoided direct references to the controversial January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, the implications of Ethiopia’s statements were clear. The MoU, which granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s Berbera port in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence, was rejected by Somalia and widely condemned across the region.
The Federal Government of Somalia has consistently denounced Ethiopia’s actions as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mogadishu maintains that all Somali land and sea territory is indivisible and under the jurisdiction of the central government.
“Somalia welcomes regional cooperation but will never entertain any arrangements that compromise our territorial integrity,” a Somali foreign ministry spokesperson said recently.
Somalia has rallied international support from the African Union, Arab League, and allies such as Egypt and Türkiye to counter what it sees as unlawful encroachment.
Ethiopia, which has been landlocked since Eritrea’s secession in 1993, currently depends on Djibouti for over 90% of its maritime trade. As it seeks to diversify and secure additional routes, tensions with neighboring states have intensified.
Observers say Ethiopia’s latest appeal for a diplomatic solution could either open the door for renewed negotiations — or deepen the existing rift, especially if unilateral actions are pursued.
Regional bodies such as IGAD and the African Union have offered to mediate the dispute, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue and respect for international law.
The issue is expected to dominate upcoming regional summits, where Somalia is likely to reiterate its firm stance amid growing international attention.