The Abbay River and the Red Sea are sensitive regional issues that contribute to political, economic, and social tensions. Fair use of these water bodies can promote regional development and enhance global competitiveness. Scholars asserted that Ethiopia, as the source of the Blue Nile River, seeks an equitable share of the waters without demanding special privileges.
The same is also true regarding Ethiopia’s purist of sea access. Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Historian Associate Professor Ayele Bekeri said that effective use of both Ethiopia’s natural and artificial resources is crucial to make a win- win deal with neighboring countries since they benefit from former’s energy resources, especially given its vast capacity for electricity generation.
Ayele stated that while access to the sea would benefit Ethiopia’s economy, ensuring national security must remain the top priority. Therefore, Ethiopia should construct additional dams on the Nile River alongside its efforts to secure sea access.
He noted that Ethiopia is not a member of the Red Sea Council and must strategically consider both the Red Sea and the Nile River to gain membership. He believes this would provide Ethiopia with a significant opportunity to reach the sea.
According to Ayele, the Red Sea Council was established by Egypt to divert Ethiopia’s focus from the Abbay River to the Red Sea. He stressed the importance of understanding this maneuver from a historical perspective, suggesting Ethiopia can benefit by doing so.
Another strategic option is to engage Sudan diplomatically to garner support for Ethiopia. Sudan benefits from the filling of a given dam on the Abbay River as it prevents silts retaining adequate water.
Ayele noted that Ethiopia took the interests of other riparian nations into account when constructing its dam on the Abbay. He emphasized the need to communicate this to Sudan.
These efforts, if successful, will increase Ethiopia’s chances of securing access to the sea, thereby strengthening its economy and energy sector.
At the third Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Dialogue Forum, Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) Director General Jafar Bedru stated that the Red Sea and the Abbay River are vital to Ethiopia’s long-term peace and prosperity.
He noted that leveraging these waters and protecting Ethiopia’s strategic interests are not only national priorities but also crucial for fostering national unity. Efforts are underway to raise awareness of the issue among neighboring countries.
IFA’s Senior Researcher and Director General of Middle East Affairs Amare Kenaw highlighted structural flaws in the organizations operating in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and surrounding regions. These flaws, he said, have led to unfair exploitation, significantly damaging the local economies.
He emphasized the need for dialogue among countries to address these issues. Being landlocked presents serious challenges for Ethiopia, threatening its economic survival and preventing it from reaping the benefits it rightfully deserves.
Amare added that landlockedness negatively impacts economic growth and development. Access to a seaport is essential for national security, strategic interests, and prosperity.
The Institute of Foreign Affairs is currently consulting experts and stakeholders to outline the necessary conditions for Ethiopia to gain access to a seaport, using the information as a basis for diplomatic and policy decisions.
Scholars argued that Egypt, which claims exclusive rights to the Abbay River’s waters, should instead promote fair use of both the Abbay and the Red Sea. Ethiopia, for its part, seeks a balanced, transparent, and cooperative approach to the shared development of both the Red Sea and the Nile River.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025
