The Horn of Africa is one of the most contested regions due to its strategic geopolitical location. It is home to numerous military bases established by countries from afar. However, regional nations are not taking advantage of the strategic location. Additionally, the region faces challenges such as terrorism, drought, trans-border crime, and other destabilizing factors posing a present and imminent threat to the regional countries.
The people living in this region face numerous challenges and often prefer to migrate to other countries, relying on human traffickers to navigate treacherous sea routes or endure long and arduous journeys through desert areas on foot. Nonetheless, countries like Ethiopia are striving to improve the well-being and economic development of their people and the region as a whole. Ethiopia, in particular, has emerged as the fastest-growing economy in Africa, despite dealing with numerous internal and external challenges. The country is also striving to expand its economic growth throughout the region.
On February 19, 2023, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, during his visit to the Bale Zone, stated, “We have fulfilled our promises to our people and turned Ethiopia’s dream of exporting wheat into a reality. This serves as a testament to our ability to dream big; articulate our dreams, follow through with our actions day and night, and demonstrate our achievements.”
Moreover, securing sea access has become a crucial objective for Ethiopia to enhance its prosperity and facilitate regional development. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the existential importance of accessing the sea for Ethiopia’s economic growth. This access is not only beneficial to Ethiopia but also contributes to regional economic growth. The country has proposed a give-and-take mechanism to access sea port from countries in the region. In January first, Ethiopia achieved a significant milestone by signing a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland to secure sea access for it.
However, following this historic pact, certain bloc and entities have launched smear campaigns. Ethiopia’s historical adversaries have used these campaigns to deceive the international community through their customary disinformation practices. It is worth noting that these countries attempt to link their geopolitical crises with the pact, issuing statements that are not accepted by the Ethiopian and Somaliland people and governments.
In an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ethiopian Ambassador to Tanzania, Shibru Mamo, stated that efforts by certain entities to impede Ethiopia’s sea access are deemed unacceptable. He commended the agreement as a mutually beneficial arrangement for the signatories. The ambassador emphasized that any attempts to undermine the accord would hinder progress and demonstrates a lack of readiness for Agenda 2063. He pointed out that other countries have obtained port access through contractual agreements without significant opposition, and Ethiopia should not face objections in this regard.
Ethiopia has proposed a give-and-take mechanism that benefits both parties in its pursuit of sea access. The agreement with Somaliland is a result of Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts and its commitment to mutual development.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s claim to sea access is supported by Article 125, Paragraph 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which states, “Landlocked states shall have the right of access to and from the sea for the purpose of exercising the rights provided for in this Convention, including those relating to the freedom of the high seas and the common heritage of mankind. To this end, landlocked states shall enjoy freedom of transit through the territory of transit states by all means of transport.”
Thus, Ethiopia has a strong legal basis for pursuing sea access to facilitate its development and ensure its security. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s re-established naval force is a valuable contribution to the region, given that the Horn of Africa is a hub for terrorism and piracy. This initiative demonstrates Ethiopia’s willingness to contribute to the region’s peace and security. Despite making sacrifices for its neighboring countries and regional stability, Ethiopia has not received proportionate benefits.
Samuel Tefera (Ph.D.), a researcher at Addis Ababa University’s Center for Asian and African Studies, highlighted Ethiopia’s significant contribution to peace and stability in the region. He specifically mentioned Ethiopia’s substantial role in preventing the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
Regarding Somaliland, some unfounded claims suggest that it is not a separate country from Somalia but an independent nation. When Somaliland gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, it was recognized by more than 35 countries worldwide. Presently, 20 countries recognize its passport and provide necessary services to its citizens. This recognition indicates that Somaliland is indeed an independent country. It is important to note that Somaliland willingly joined Somalia to form Greater Somalia, but later separated from Somalia in 1991 when this union failed, Samuel elaborated.
Furthermore, it should be noted that Somaliland has entered into a naval agreement with the United Arab Emirates and is preparing to establish a similar agreement with the United States. It has also collaborated with Ethiopia in various ways, he added.
Therefore, the smears and objections coming from distant sources do not hinder the Ethiopia-Somaliland sea access pact also they are not considering the former’s contribution to the region. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to clarify Ethiopia’s sea access objectives. It is crucial to undertake further diplomatic work to explain Ethiopia’s contributions to the region and emphasize that the agreement signed between the two parties does not harm any nation.
Anteneh Getachew, a researcher specializing in Asia and the Pacific at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, also stated that opposition from distant geopolitical regions regarding the Ethio-Somaliland sea access deal is unacceptable.
“It is evident that obtaining a sea outlet is of existential significance to Ethiopia, and achieving this objective requires diplomatic negotiations, trust-building, and engagement with neighboring countries. The researcher emphasized the importance of organized international public relations efforts to counter objections and doubts raised by certain foreign entities.”
Overall, the country’s journey to access the sea is a win-win approach and useful for the region’s economic development, not threats to the region, as some smears are saying. Ethiopia’s government is also working to clarify what is ongoing between Ethiopia and Somaliland through its diplomatic center.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2024
