The most volatile and dynamic region in the world, the Red Sea region has got numerous actors that have been vying to assert their hegemony. Securing a slice or place in this region, to some, is the focal point in nations’ foreign policy priorities. However, seating just in stone thrown away distance from the region, it is nearly four decades since Ethiopia has been landlocked. As the country is the most populous country with close proximity to the Red Sea, the quest to have a genuine sea access is a righteous move.
Various actors from near and far have come to the region as it is one of the strategic areas in the world. For some landlocked nations like Ethiopia, having a sea access is in this regard a life and death scenario.
Coastal nations have been using their ports to generate additional income by renting the area to foreign nations who come from other continents. Conversely, some landlocked nations of the region have been bystanders while port owners enjoy their benefits. In this case, Ethiopia is among those who only watch others enjoying the party.
As a bold player in the region, Ethiopia has achieved countable accomplishments regarding the overall socio- economic and political issues of the region, but benefited much less from the opportunities of the area. The country is there when any neighbor needs any help or support. It has also shown its unwavering stand on unity and integrity. However, the region has not returned Ethiopia’s favor and create conducive environment that incorporates all the nations.
Throughout the region, Ethiopia has played the role of a protagonist in defending the wellbeing of the region. For those persistent regional issues such as peace and security, refugees, regional integrations, and the like are well addressed by Ethiopia.
The Government of Ethiopia always stretches its hands to its neighboring nations whatever the issues might be as the country is keen on regional integration and unity. Unfortunately, when it comes to mutual benefits, Ethiopia becomes isolated and unable to share the benefit.
It is the fact that, Ethiopia has never asked for any favor in return for the deeds it performs to its neighboring nations. Again, the country is always ready to work in partnership with any nations through mutual benefit.
History and facts tell that Ethiopia is the only nation that is very close to the sea but cannot access it. Accordingly, the government of Ethiopia has called all its neighboring nations with a sea access to let Ethiopia have its own sea port so that it will develop and administer by its own. Ethiopia proposed any exchange deal with its flagship projects or companies for the genuine sea access.
The saddest part is that, most of the nations with the sea access gave a deaf ears and blind eyes to the call. Even, those nations who own Ethiopia a favor have not accepted the call. On the other hand, Ethiopia persistently pushed hard for mutual benefits and also showed its willingness to negotiate.
Still, the Government of Ethiopia has not asked for any favor; rather, it wanted to have a better negotiation with its counterparts. Fortunately, Ethiopia’s call got some attention from the neighboring Somaliland to sit around the table and negotiate. Strengthening their negotiations, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed the historic port deal on 1st of January, 2024.
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated on X (formerly Tweeter) that, the agreement could fulfill Ethiopia’s historic quest for sea access, despite Somalia’s opposition.
Since the news was heard, those nations who were deaf and blind for the Ethiopia’s call have started to refuse the deal, especially Somalia. The Government of Somalia has forgotten Ethiopia’s sacrifices for the country and started to partner with some historic enemies of Ethiopia. Besides, entities that have not done anything for the stability and development of the Horn have come to the stage and tarnish Ethiopia’s name. Though all these ups and downs, the Government of Ethiopia has observed the situation and ready for any talk.
Though Ethiopia and Somalia have so many things in common and shared hard times together, it took months for the two counterparts to come to the table and discuss on their issues. Addressing the dispute and initiating the discussion, Türkiye took the responsibility to bring them for discussion.
Two round talks initiated by the Türkiye were concluded, and after the second round in Ankara, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atskeselassie expressed optimism for more progress in the upcoming third round of talks with Somalia. He emphasized Ethiopia’s legitimate interest and peaceful approach in securing reliable sea access.
During a bi-weekly briefing, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to pursuing sea access while resolving diplomatic disputes with Somalia peacefully. “It was once taboo to discuss this issue, but now almost all countries, including Türkiye and Somalia, recognize the legitimacy of Ethiopia’s quest for sea access,” he stated. “This is a significant achievement for Ethiopia, and we will continue our pursuit through non-violent means to preserve regional peace and stability.”
Despite progress toward a peaceful resolution, the final outcome remains uncertain. Ethiopia’s claim, however, is strongly supported by historical evidence, which scholars consider valid and reasonable.
Historically, Ethiopia had access to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden until Eritrea became independent. Historian Ahmed Zekeria emphasized that, Ethiopia’s ancient civilization was closely linked to maritime activities and that the country’s current landlocked status was artificially created to undermine its interests.
The historian further argued that, future stability in the Horn of Africa, with its 6,000 km-long coastline, depends on Ethiopia’s access to the sea, advocating for a mutually beneficial mechanism that allows all countries in the region access to the coast.
Diplomacy and Political Science scholar Yisihaq Fikru echoed this view, noting that Ethiopia’s lack of sea access has created significant challenges. He noted that, Ethiopia had stable direct access to the sea for more than ten centuries, and the current situation, where the country is landlocked, is deeply concerning for this generation. The scholar also stressed that relying on trade agreements for port access is not sustainable, as it increases the cost of imports and poses risks to national security.
Yisihaq concluded that, Ethiopia’s ambitious developmental projects in political, economic, and diplomatic affairs require dependable access to the sea
BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024
