Gov’t ramps up diplomatic drive for Red Sea Corridor

ADDIS ABABA – As Ethiopia continues to assert its regional role and pursue economic growth, a prominent scholar has underscored the need for a stronger, more strategic diplomatic approach to secure access to the Red Sea.

In a recent interview with local media, international relations expert Adem Kamil stressed that access to the Red Sea is not merely a geographic or political issue, but a historic right and a key to Ethiopia’s future prosperity.

“The Red Sea is deeply embedded in Ethiopia’s history and identity,” Adem said. “It once earned us the title ‘King of the

Red Sea’—‘Habesha Bahir’—and served as a vital corridor for trade, influence, and development.”

He argued that Ethiopia’s current landlocked status is a legacy of colonial-era power dynamics, exacerbated by external interference. “Many global powers have built military bases in the Red Sea region, limiting African sovereignty and complicating efforts by countries like Ethiopia to regain strategic access,” he noted.

Adem also warned that some historical adversaries are actively working to obstruct Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. He cited Egypt’s extensive efforts—through conferences, seminars, and academic publications—to shape regional narratives and counter Ethiopia’s interests, particularly around the Red Sea and the Abbay River.

Despite these challenges, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s approach must remain diplomatic and peaceful. He called for the government to strengthen bilateral and multilateral engagement, leveraging historical ties and shared interests with neighboring countries.

“Peaceful negotiation and regional cooperation are the most sustainable paths forward,” he said. “Ethiopia must use its diplomatic weight and cultural influence to promote shared development in the Horn of Africa(HoA).”

The call aligns with Ethiopia’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives, which aim to foster regional integration, economic interdependence, and mutual security across the Red Sea corridor.

BY MESERET BEHAILU

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 29 MAY 2025

Recommended For You