“Ethiopia’s rightful quest for sea access will continue peacefully,” says Prime Minister. With these words, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has once again reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to securing access to the sea through lawful and diplomatic avenues. This declaration, made in a recent interview with local media, reflects not only the deep national sentiment surrounding the issue but also Ethiopia’s principled approach in addressing it.
The loss of Ethiopia’s coastal access in the early 1990s marked a turning point in the country’s geopolitical and economic landscape. For over thirty years, the nation has remained landlocked, dependent on neighboring ports for its maritime trade. As the Prime Minister rightly noted, “For over three decades, Ethiopia has remained landlocked, enduring significant challenges. This is not merely an economic issue, but one of fairness and justice.”
This is not a newly emerged agenda driven by contemporary politics; rather, it is a long-standing national concern rooted in history and sustained by necessity. Ethiopia’s demand is not a cry of desperation, but a rightful and just claim anchored in international principles that recognize the special needs and rights of landlocked countries. The Prime Minister emphasized that “our position is firm and fair,” outlining that the issue is not about conflict or coercion, but about fairness, equity and regional cooperation.
Ethiopia’s population now exceeds 130 million, making it the second most populous country in Africa. With a dynamic and growing economy, the nation’s aspirations to access the sea are directly tied to its developmental goals and regional integration efforts. It is illogical and unjust that such a major country, surrounded by coastal neighbors, should remain indefinitely dependent on external goodwill for its maritime lifeline.
Moreover, Prime Minister Abiy recalled his earlier remarks before the House of People’s Representatives in October 2024, where he clearly stated Ethiopia’s peaceful intentions. He reaffirmed that “Ethiopia’s pursuit is guided by dialogue, mutual respect, and international law.” These are not the words of a nation seeking to impose its will by force, but of country intent on shaping a future grounded in diplomacy and mutual benefit.
The legal foundation for Ethiopia’s claim is not merely aspirational. It is supported by various international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognizes the rights of landlocked states to access and transit through coastal states to the sea. Despite these provisions, Ethiopia has long suffered from practical and political hurdles that have undermined its rightful access. Prime Minister Abiy made it clear that these “glaring injustices demand urgent redress.”
Ethiopia’s approach is constructive and forward-looking. It seeks to engage with its neighbors not as adversaries but as partners in progress. The region stands to gain immensely from a cooperative solution that addresses Ethiopia’s needs while enhancing economic integration and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a time when global tensions often escalate over territorial and economic disputes, Ethiopia’s firm commitment to a peaceful path is commendable. It reflects the maturity of its leadership and the strength of its diplomatic values. As the Prime Minister stated, “With a population of 130 million and a rapidly growing economy, surrounded by countries with access to coastal waters, Ethiopia rightfully deserves access to the sea.”
This is not a call for confrontation. It is a call for justice, for partnership, and for a shared vision of prosperity. Ethiopia’s voice is clear, its stance is fair, and its path is peaceful. The international community and regional partners must now respond in kind—with open dialogue, sincere cooperation, and a commitment to fairness that transcends borders.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2025
