Currently,Ethiopia is a landlocked country inhabited by over 120 million people. It is country supporting so many people in such underprivileged positions. It is scaled down to such a state due to the historic wrongturn made three decades back.
A country that used to boast the Assab and Mesewa ports is now relegated to a nation stripped of a port. It has to relay on a rent of a port which positions it to an anxious state.
Following Eretria’s independence had Ethiopia properly raised a port question, it would have been entitled a go ahead to legally access a port. The historic mistake is ascribable to the then government that was conspicuously negligent of national interest, about which its bent was underwhelming. Following the sad episode, the country had no other option than going astray from the right path.
For over 30 years the country had to lean on the rent of the Djibouti portto handle import and export trade. Because of this, Ethiopia had to pay 1.6 billion Birr for port service. Had this money been channeled towards humanitarian issues and to the social sector the country’s multifaceted growth would have been accelerated. Its position on the global scale could have bubbled up. The unhappy unfolding is regrettable.
Aside from preventing the country to access a port that helps it see to its advantages, the then government was brow beating and hushing up opposition party leaders who were raising the burning issue of the country pursuant of a just solution. The tragic scenario is still fresh in memory.
However, the incumbent, by popular support, that ascended to the power pedestal five years back imbued with the spirit of change has showed sagacity and courage to thaw the ice of silence on the issue.
Cognizant of the multipronged advantage of accessing port via a win–win approach the incumbent is striving towards the implementation of this objective. It has signed a MoA with Somaliland to such effect.
As change could not precipitate without a stirring up of dust Mogadishu and other countries have become vocal about it before the dust settles. Yet, Ethiopia has pressed ahead with its stance of seeking a just solution with a win-win approach. It is also trying to show that its action is as per the framework of law.
Ethiopia’s quest for port is part of its fight against the colonial legacy. That is why Ethiopia’s quest has a just and historic foundation. That is also why it is full-throated about it. It is to be recalled that Ethiopia has paid huge sacrifices fighting out colonialism manifested in different cloaks. The country’s quest for port is part and parcel of this fight.
When the wind of injustice blows across the sky, history and hope come to the top position. It is through this prism we must view Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea port. Always, the country has in mind the national interest which it must safeguard.
Ethiopia’s access to the sea port not only benefits the nation but also promotes common perks. That is why its quest is gaining credence. The path it chose is calibrated in an amicable way—win-win approach— which it made clear to East African countries. Getting closer, it has conveyed its intention to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Djibouti. Presumably, they know it. Observably, America, Saudi Arabia, British, United Arab Emirates could understand the case. That is the case of Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland and a back scratching economy. It is after it made its dispositions clear to its partners, Ethiopia is dealing with kindred allies. This is a correct approach.
The claim Ethiopia should get access to the sea port in a peaceful way and logical discussion under the umbrella of international law holds water. It is being backed by many. Ethiopia’s quest for a sea port isn’t emotion-charged. Hence, knowing full well this fact those gravitating towards common growth should come aboard Ethiopia’s push to change the fate of its people with eye-watering zeros.
Besides it is wise to remember the Red Sea is subject to the cross fire of super powers. International shipping lines are suffering bombardments to the disruption of commercial activities. The area has become a battlefield of proxy wars.
The Ethiopian Herald January 14/2024
