Ethiopia stands firm for peaceful Red Sea access: Premier

ADDIS ABABA-Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to regional peace and dismissed allegations of territorial violation, underscoring the nation’s legitimate pursuit of access to the sea.

During the 6th round of the 4th term and the 3rd ordinary session of the House of People’s Representatives yesterday, Premier Abiy addressed concerns over Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. He clarified that the MoU, which grants Ethiopia limited coastal access for 50 years, has been misinterpreted as a territorial threat.

“The MoU is a mutually beneficial agreement, not an act of aggression,” he emphasized, adding that Ethiopia’s goal is peaceful cooperation, not conflict.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that the seashore from Massawa to Somalia spans over 5,000 kilometers, yet it is underutilized for regional development. Meanwhile, foreign powers profit greatly from these coastal areas.

He, moreover, underscored that the importance of access to the resource-rich Red Sea, noting its potential to yield mutual benefits for all involved nations, particularly for Ethiopia, home to a population of 120 million.

While some nations have supported Ethiopia’s right to sea access, others have resisted. Abiy clarified that Ethiopia harbors no military ambitions. “We seek peaceful sea access and aim to foster sustainable peace with Somalia, Eritrea, Kenya, and neighboring nations,” he stated, while warning that meddling in Ethiopia’s internal affairs would not be tolerated.

Regarding the Abbay Dam, the Premier reiterated that the dam benefits downstream nations, including Sudan and Egypt. “The dam secures water during drought seasons, improving conditions for our neighbors,” he noted.

Abiy asserted that Ethiopia’s quest for peaceful access to the Red Sea remains central to its foreign policy, confident that it will eventually be realized, if not by this generation, then by the future.

BY YESUF ENDRIS

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2024

Recommended For You