
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s historical and strategic ties to the Red Sea—particularly the port of Assab—remains undeniable and essential, according to political analyst Musa Sheko, Assistant Prof. Adem Kamil, and Prof. Admasu Gebeyehu.
Speaking with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), the experts asserted that the Red Sea is more than just a gateway; it is an integral part of Ethiopia’s identity and future. They challenged past decisions that severed Ethiopia’s maritime access and called for a unified effort to reclaim what they see as the country’s rightful stake in the sea.
Musa dismissed Egypt’s claim to the Nile as secondary compared to Ethiopia’s historical bond
with the Red Sea, describing the waterway as “our gift.” He emphasized that Ethiopia’s history is inseparable from it, comparing the Red Sea to “an eye or a leg” of the nation.
“Losing it means losing a part of ourselves,” Musa stated, highlighting the strategic importance of the Red Sea, which hosts over 12 military bases manned by global powers such as Russia, the U.S., and Japan-some located just 60 kilometers from Ethiopia’s border at Assab.
Assistant Prof. Adem Kamil reinforced this perspective, calling the Red Sea the “Abyssinian Sea” and emphasizing its deep-rooted ties to Ethiopia’s civilization, faith, and trade. Underscoring the significance of the lost asset, With Ethiopia’s population surpassing 130 million, Prof. Admasu Gebeyehu argued that sea access is critical for national security, economic growth, and long-term stability.
All three experts agreed that Ethiopia remains the strongest regional power. They noted the growing global interest in Ethiopia’s presence along the Red Sea, especially, because of the threat of Al-Shabaab, and other terrorists’ activities in the region.
Musa predicted that opposition from some quarters would ultimately fail, while Adem and Admasu called for national unity in addressing what they termed an “eternal agenda” that transcends political administrations. For a country of Ethiopia’s size and historical significance, they concluded, reclaiming access to the Red Sea is not just a right-it is a necessity.
BY BETLEHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025