Since the past six months, Ethiopia has been expressing its aspiration to access a reliable sea to the rest of the world.
Mainly, by considering its large population, rapid economic growth, as well as growing regional influence, and issues interrelated with national security; the country has been expressing its pursuit of access to the sea in the spirit of cooperation and under “Give and Take” principle.
Consequently, following the extensive diplomatic engagement in the issue, these days, the international community has become clearer about Ethiopia’s aspiration to access the sea.
Understandably, there are a number of valid reasons for Ethiopia to pursue seaports. First, in today’s world order, having access to the sea is not a luxury; but a matter of existence for the reason that not having reliable access to the sea does not give Ethiopia complete security.
Principally, at the present day, superpowers are competing to have shares in the areas to put pressure thereby realizing their geo-economics and geostrategic interests because of the geopolitical location of the area. As documents indicate, the post-9/11 period saw a return of foreign military bases in the Horn of Africa region on an unprecedented scale which brought security threats not only to Ethiopia but also countries of the Horn and beyond. In essence of this, Ethiopia’s presence in the area is critical not only to secure its own economic benefits and security; but also countries of the Horn and beyond.
Second, with the highest number of population, untapped natural resources and promising economic prospects, a nation’s demand for a port is also a question of economic existence.
What is more, having access to the sea determines not only the fate of this generation but also transcends to the next generations.
The other way round, securing reliable and diverse sea access for Ethiopia has also greater benefit for other countries too as it promotes economic cooperation and integration among the East African countries and the region.
On account of these and other matters, Ethiopia’s quest for access to see is an issue that cannot be underestimated or interpreted in a different way.
In his recent short stay with local media, Foreign Minister Taye-Atske Selassie also stated the effort Ethiopia has been exerting to inform the international community about its demand for secure sovereign access to the sea.
According to FM Taye, Ethiopia should not be a holder of undue burdens and it should not be a victim of other countries’ internal problems. Diplomatic tasks to inform the reality have been carried out during the past six months and it was almost successful.
“Direct access to the sea is a matter of our stability and national security that is why we are looking for seaports; which is very legitimate.”
As it has been stated repeatedly, Ethiopia’s ambition to have access to the sea is established based on mutual agreement, cooperation and with the principle of “Give and Take.”
Thus, Ethiopia will further work with all countries in the region in a way ensuring its right to access seaports in a peaceful manner and in a more reciprocation. It is also ready to hold additional negotiations to diversify its seaport aspiration.
It will also continue its diplomatic work and point out carefully and clearly its truth to the global community to realize its aspiration.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2024
