Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has once again emphasized that his landlocked nation must secure access to the Red Sea, a move that comes as relations with neighboring countries continue to decline. Speaking shortly after his inauguration for a third term on Monday, Abiy asserted that obtaining a port is critical to the country’s civilization and promised to work diligently toward that goal based on a principle of give and take.
This renewed demand follows a summit held on Sunday in the Egyptian city of New Alamein, where representatives from Eritrea, Egypt, Sudan, and Somalia gathered to address regional concerns. The participating nations issued a clear warning, stating that the governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the coastal states. They further cautioned that unilateral actions could increase the risk of regional conflict and rejected any moves that might negatively affect the water rights of Egypt and Sudan regarding the Nile.
Ethiopia lost its direct access to the Red Sea in 1993 following the independence of Eritrea, which was formerly a region of Ethiopia. In response to the summit’s stance, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Monday arguing that discussions regarding the Nile and the Red Sea must reflect geographic realities, specifically highlighting that the Blue Nile originates in Ethiopia and that the country is situated in close proximity to the Red Sea. The ministry maintained that while Ethiopia remains committed to peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement, it will continue to defend its national interests and sovereignty.
Regional tensions have been exacerbated by ongoing internal instability within Ethiopia, including a renewed conflict involving separatist rebels in the northern Tigray region. While a two-year war in the area officially concluded in 2022, researchers from Ghent University in Belgium have estimated that approximately 500,000 civilians lost their lives due to violence, famine, and the collapse of essential health services. Although Eritrean troops had previously fought alongside federal forces during the Tigray conflict, Ethiopia has recently accused Eritrea of supporting rebels and mobilizing backing from Sudan and Egypt. Conversely, Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of attempting to gain access to the sea through its territory.
The diplomatic strain is further complicated by a long-standing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River, which remains a critical point of contention for Egypt and Sudan. Both the United Nations and the African Union have voiced concern over the escalating regional friction and have called for a peaceful resolution to the overlapping disputes.
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Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.