The archives of Ethiopian history are replete with narratives of rulers who understood, with profound clarity, the indispensable nature of access to the sea. From the ancient Aksumite Empire, whose maritime prowess dominated Red Sea trade routes for centuries, to the Solomonic dynasties and beyond, the strategic importance of a reliable maritime outlet was not merely a geopolitical theory but a lived reality, keenly understood and fiercely defended through generations of immense sacrifice. Control over vital coastal territories and port cities were a cornerstone of national power, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange.
However, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically in 1991, rendering Ethiopia landlocked through a process that remains a subject of considerable debate. Since then, the nation has become largely dependent on a single port for its vital import and export trade, a situation that has long presented economic vulnerabilities.
For decades, the issue of Ethiopia’s access to the sea remained a quiet and often taboo subject within political discourse. This silence, however, was dramatically broken by current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. His bold decision to bring this historically sensitive topic back to the forefront has not only ignited domestic discussion but has also garnered significant international attention.
Ethiopia is now actively pursuing its sea access aspirations through a “mutual benefit approach.” This strategy emphasizes collaborative diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a win-win scenario for all parties involved. The country is engaged in extensive diplomatic outreach, seeking to secure a stable and reliable corridor to the sea that serves its long-term economic and strategic interests.
In a recent interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Befekadu Daba, a scholar of Political Science and International Relations, provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of this complex endeavor. He meticulously underscored Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to gain sea access by strictly adhering to the fundamental principle of “give-and-take” in its negotiations with regional partners.
However, beyond this critical diplomatic tenet, Befekadu stressed that a robust and sustained focus on “people-to-people diplomacy” is not merely beneficial but absolutely essential for the initiative to succeed and endure.
According to Befekadu, people-to-people diplomacy, at its core, champions peace over conflict. He elucidated how this nuanced approach can exert powerful influence, helping to ensure that Ethiopia obtains sea access peacefully, de-escalating any potential tensions that might arise from its legitimate demand, and continuously underscoring the overarching concept of mutual benefit. This involves fostering deep-seated understanding, building genuine trust between communities and nations, and creating a conducive environment for constructive dialogue that transcends traditional state-centric negotiations, encompassing broader societal engagement and shared aspirations.
Crucially, Befekadu asserted that the current diplomatic efforts being spearheaded solely by the government, while commendable and absolutely necessary, are by themselves insufficient to achieve comprehensive and sustainable sea access for the country. He issued a compelling and urgent call for the broad engagement of civil society organizations, the academic and business communities, various influential individuals, and the vibrant and globally dispersed Ethiopian diaspora in this critical diplomatic endeavor. He further stated, with a clear sense of national purpose, that everyone should actively participate, leveraging their respective skills, professional networks, and cultural influence to ensure that the sea access request is fulfilled in a relatively short period.
To emphasize this call for collective action, he drew a powerful and resonant parallel to the unprecedented national unity and fervent patriotic love demonstrated during the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), suggesting that the same spirit of unwavering collective purpose and national determination should be applied to the equally vital sea access issue. This analogy deeply resonates within Ethiopia, evoking a powerful sense of shared national destiny and the transformative potential of unified action.
Regarding the intricate interplay of international law and regional stability, Befekadu unequivocally affirmed that international laws permit, and indeed support, Ethiopia’s legitimate quest for sea access. He adamantly added that there is no international legal framework denying a country of 120 million people a nation of Ethiopia’s historical magnitude, geopolitical significance, and economic potential access to the sea. He described the indispensable use of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and by extension, access to broader global trade routes that lead to the Pacific Ocean, not merely as a matter of economic convenience but as a fundamental question of Ethiopia’s very survival, its economic sovereignty, and its long-term prosperity.
He underscored, with unwavering resolve that Ethiopia will continue to intensify its diplomatic and strategic efforts to gain this vital sea outlet, which it views as a fundamental lifeline for its rapidly expanding population and burgeoning economy.
He clarified that Ethiopia’s desire for sea access is not driven by an ambition to overpower others but rather by a concept of shared growth and mutual benefit. Befekadu explained that Ethiopia gaining sea access would significantly contribute to eliminating piracy on maritime trade routes, stabilizing peace deficits, and combating maritime terrorism. He added that it would also help expand investment, strengthen economic benefits, and foster diplomatic ties within the region.
Indeed, a broad consensus has emerged among scholars and policymakers, echoing Befekadu’s sentiments that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is a legitimate and, critically, a mutually beneficial endeavor that is absolutely essential for the nation’s future trajectory. As the most populous landlocked country in the world and a rapidly developing economy, Ethiopia has demonstrably faced significant and persistent economic challenges directly attributable to its landlocked status.
The difficult logistical bottlenecks, vastly increased transportation costs, and the unavoidable reliance on a single, often congested, and politically sensitive corridor have demonstrably hindered its ambitious industrialization plans, limited its agricultural export potential, and constrained its overall economic diversification efforts, impacting the livelihoods of millions.
Amare Kenaw, lead researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that sea access extends beyond economic gains, viewing it as vital for national sovereignty and security. He noted that Ethiopia’s peaceful efforts to secure sea access have recently gained international support, particularly due to its proximity to the Red Sea. The Institute of Foreign Affairs has actively raised awareness and offered recommendations on this issue, and Amare is optimistic that Ethiopia’s plea will soon be addressed. He stressed that Ethiopia will continue to advocate peacefully for a resolution that respects the interests of neighboring countries while ensuring mutual benefit.
Jeilu Omar, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Addis Ababa University on his part Ethiopia’s “give and take” approach to gaining seaport access both appropriate and feasible. He also underscored the crucial role of higher education institutions in conducting research to support this cause and in educating younger generations about its importance.
Ethiopia’s renewed and vigorous focus on regaining sea access is therefore not merely an economic imperative, driven by the practicalities of trade and development, important as they are. It is, perhaps more profoundly, a powerful historical echo, a strategic necessity deeply rooted in the nation’s enduring identity and its vision for the future, and a testament to its unwavering determination to reclaim its rightful and historical place on the global maritime stage.
The ultimate success of these intricate and multi-layered diplomatic overtures will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Ethiopia, unlocking its full economic potential, profoundly enhancing its regional and international influence, and fundamentally altering the broader geopolitical landscape of the strategically vital and dynamic Horn of Africa for generations to come. The world watches with keen interest as Ethiopia, a nation of ancient heritage and modern ambition, embarks on this historic quest to reclaim its blue horizon.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025
