Never escape from the truth; to call a spade a spade, Egypt must have been bowing down to the blessings generated by Ethiopia. However, such blessings were considered exclusive property by a unilateral project denying the right to prosper and the and the sovereign right to utilize the natural resources of Ethiopia.
Here is an article on the merits and advantages of a sea port for Ethiopia, and how Ethiopia has been denied access despite its status as a major economic power in Sub-Saharan Africa:
As the second most populous country in Africa and one of the fastest-growing economies on the continent, Ethiopia stands tall as a regional powerhouse. However, this economic giant has been deliberately denied a crucial asset – direct access to the sea. This landlocked status, imposed upon Ethiopia through the vagaries of history and geopolitics, has long shackled the country’s full economic potential, hindering its ability to truly thrive and fulfill its destiny as a continental leader.
The merits of granting Ethiopia a sea port are manifold and undeniable. Currently, Ethiopia relies on neighboring countries, such as Djibouti and Sudan, to facilitate its maritime trade and access to global markets. This dependence on external actors not only incurs significant logistical and financial costs but also leaves the country vulnerable to the whims and political machinations of its neighbors. A direct sea port would grant Ethiopia the autonomy and control it needs to chart its own course, unleashing a wave of economic prosperity that could ripple throughout the region.
The advantages of an Ethiopian sea port extend far beyond mere economic considerations. Such a strategic asset would bolster the country’s geopolitical standing, empowering it to assert its influence and defend its interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond. This, in turn, would strengthen regional stability and foster greater cooperation among the nations of the Horn, reducing the risk of conflict and fostering a more secure environment for all.
Moreover, a sea port would serve as a hub for both regional and international trade, transforming Ethiopia into a veritable economic powerhouse. Goods and services would flow through this maritime gateway, fueling job creation, infrastructure development, and the growth of ancillary industries. The increased economic activity would not only benefit Ethiopia but also its neighbors, forging a tighter web of economic interdependence and shared prosperity.
Yet, despite these overwhelming merits, Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access has been repeatedly thwarted by external forces. Regional rivals, driven by their own strategic ambitions, have sought to maintain Ethiopia’s landlocked status, denying it the economic autonomy and geopolitical influence that a sea port would confer. This deliberate obstruction has stifled Ethiopia’s growth, constraining its ability to realize its full potential as a continental leader and a beacon of prosperity in the region.
Again it is very crystal clear that the Egyptians are observed to poke nose on the Horn particularly pose a threat between Ethiopia and Somaliland for the purpose of rapacious plan which technically perpetuate to cripple Ethiopia.
To secure access to the sea and processing port while adhering to international diplomatic relations, it is viable for the Ethiopian government if it considers the following issues:
Negotiation on maritime access agreements is of paramount importance at the very beginning. In this regard, Ethiopia should engage in diplomatic negotiations with neighboring countries that have coastal access, such as Djibouti, to establish formal agreements that guarantee Ethiopia’s right to utilize ports and maritime transportation routes. These agreements should outline the terms, fees, and operational procedures to ensure Ethiopia’s seamless access to the sea.
Developing multimodal transportation corridors is also of great value to facilitate port related activities for Ethiopia and the other nation so that Ethiopia should focus on developing integrated multimodal transportation systems that connect its inland regions to the coastal ports. This could involve constructing railways, highways, and logistics hubs that facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people to and from the sea.
Strengthening regional economic integration should be among the factors to use ports safely based on mutual benefit. Ethiopia’s active participation in regional economic communities, such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), to foster greater economic cooperation and integration with its neighbors is essential. This can help secure regional support for Ethiopia’s maritime access needs.
For the fact that infrastructure is a bloodline for economic growth, investing in Port infrastructure should be seen seriously. To this end, Ethiopia needs to work with its coastal partner countries to invest in the development and modernization of port facilities, including cargo handling equipment, storage capacity, and digital infrastructure. This can enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the ports used by Ethiopia.
Establishing joint management arrangements of ports should also be given genuine space. Ethiopia may consider negotiating joint management or ownership arrangements with its coastal partners for specific port facilities or logistics operations. This can help ensure Ethiopia’s long-term access and influence over the decision-making processes at the ports.
Most importantly, adherence to international laws and regulations is indispensable for the effective use of ports. Thus, Ethiopia should ensure that its maritime access arrangements and activities comply with relevant international laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as regional and bilateral agreements. This can help maintain good diplomatic relations and mitigate potential disputes.
Unequivocally, fostering transparency and cooperation has to be well treated. Ethiopia should thus prioritize transparency in its negotiations and agreements with coastal countries, and actively seek to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding. This can help build trust and goodwill, which are essential for sustainable maritime access.
By pursuing these strategies, the Ethiopian government can work to secure reliable and stable access to the sea and processing ports, while also maintaining strong international diplomatic relations.
The Horn of Africa, a region long plagued by geopolitical tensions and conflicting interests, has once again become the stage for Egypt’s intrusive antics. In a brazen display of its regional hegemonic aspirations, the Egyptian government has reportedly interfered in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, casting a dark shadow over the delicate diplomatic dynamics in the Horn.
The MoU, which was signed on 1 January 2024, outlined a strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Somaliland, covering a range of areas including economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and security. This agreement was seen as a pivotal step towards strengthening regional integration and bolstering Ethiopia’s access to the sea, a critical factor for the landlocked nation’s economic growth and prosperity.
However, it appears that Egypt, long wary of any shifts in the regional balance of power, has sought to undermine this agreement, allegedly pressuring Somaliland to renege on its commitments to Ethiopia. This brazen interference, cloaked in the guise of “protecting regional stability,” is nothing more than a cynical attempt to assert Cairo’s influence and maintain its stranglehold over the Horn of Africa’s strategic waterways.
Egypt’s motives are clear: by disrupting the Ethiopia-Somaliland partnership, Cairo hopes to weaken Ethiopia’s position and limit its access to the sea, thereby strengthening its own regional dominance. This shortsighted and self-serving approach disregards the legitimate aspirations of the Ethiopian and Somaliland peoples, who seek to forge their own path towards economic and political cooperation.
The international community must stand firm in condemning Egypt’s meddling and affirming the sovereign right of nations to determine their own diplomatic and economic alliances. Undermining the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland not only undermines regional stability, but also sets a dangerous precedent of larger powers dictating the affairs of smaller nations.
It is time for the nations of the Horn of Africa to unite, to resist the malicious machinations of external actors, and to forge a future of shared prosperity and mutual understanding. Only then can the region truly flourish, free from the shackles of external interference and the relentless pursuit of hegemonic ambitions.
The time has come for the international community to recognize the urgency of this issue and throw its weight behind Ethiopia’s legitimate aspirations. By facilitating Ethiopia’s access to the sea, the global community can unlock a new era of economic dynamism, regional cooperation, and geopolitical stability in the Horn of Africa. It is a matter of justice, fairness, and the recognition of Ethiopia’s rightful place as a major player on the African stage.
The doors to Ethiopia’s maritime future must be opened, and the shackles of landlocked isolation must be cast aside. Only then can this economic giant truly soar, setting an example for the rest of Africa and cementing its status as a continental powerhouse. The time for action is now, lest Ethiopia’s potential be forever constrained by the shortsightedness of those who seek to deny its rightful place in the global economic order.
The Historical MoU signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland to Secure Access to Sea
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST 2024
