In addition to posing security threats, Ethiopia’s landlocked status also creates logistical and geographical obstacles in its attempts to access international economic routes. The nation relies on a single Djibouti port for its import and export activities.
The instability of the Red Sea region has especially a direct negative impact on the country because a significant portion of international trade is through the region.
So, the country’s push for having sea access is founded on solid rationales. The region is becoming the hub of piracy and other things, and especially in recent years, the instability of the region has worsened. So, the country should protect its property in the region. As well as in collaboration with different countries, it needs to pacify the region’s instability.
The region is a powerhouse when it comes to global trade and energy markets. The Red Sea covers around 400,000; it handles a staggering 15% of all international commerce. This includes a remarkable 30% of global container traffic, underscoring its central role in facilitating the movement of goods around the world.
The importance of the region extends beyond general trade; it is also a key player in the global energy arena. Notably, the region handles around 12% of the total global seaborne oil trade, a testament to its status as a critical maritime artery for energy shipments. Additionally, approximately 8% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade now passes through the Red Sea.
So, to pacify the region, it needs collective action, and the dialogue that excludes Ethiopia is not fruitful. The country is working in this regard to prepare a dialogue with different countries’ officials and experts. This week also saw the 2nd Red Sea Dialogue held in Addis Ababa, which was prepared by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA). The dialogue is held under the theme “Regional Consultative Forum on Red Sea Security Dynamics: The Need for Dialogue and Cooperation at a Time of Global Geopolitical Shifts.”.
In a speech delivered at the occasion, Jefar Bedru, the Executive Director of IFA, emphasized the significance of the Red Sea as a critical global trade route. He stressed the importance of discursive engagement from all stakeholders to address the security challenges in the region.
He highlighted the need for concerned states to carefully craft mechanisms of concerted action to maintain the stability and suitability of the Red Sea and its surrounding area for sustainable peace and development. He underscored the role of forums like this one in bringing together scholars, opinion makers, and policymakers to entertain diverse opinions and produce alternative policies.
Addressing the exclusion of Ethiopia from previous discussions on Red Sea security, he argued that any regional or continental institution established to address the issues of the region must reflect the interests of Ethiopia. He emphasized Ethiopia’s proximity to the Red Sea, its economic and demographic significance, and its historical presence in the region, making it a significant player.
Jefar also discussed the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland to advance Ethiopia’s presence in the Gulf of Aden. He believes this MOU is a step towards regional integration, sustainable development, and prosperity.
He added that the regional consultative forum organized by the IFA aimed to address four key issues: the changing security environment in the Red Sea and its impact on Ethiopia and the region; access to the sea and port analysis; opportunities for collaboration among Red Sea states and beyond; and exploring models of regional cooperation and best practices from other maritime regions.
Ambassador Eshete Tilahun, Director General of Europe and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the immense significance of the Red Sea region for global trade.
He stated that around 15% of the world’s annual trade, worth approximately one trillion dollars, passes through this strategic waterway. However, he expressed concern about the current tensions in the region, which have led to a 50% drop in goods transported through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Channel.
Addressing the challenges, the ambassador emphasized Ethiopia’s advocacy for a collective and multilateral approach to make the region peaceful. He called for the establishment of a collective security mechanism to pacify the region and recalled Ethiopia’s successful peacekeeping missions in various locations and times—these experiences in the country support stabilizing the region.
He stressed that the future prosperity of the Red Sea region depends on the ability of all stakeholders to work together, fostering a spirit of mutual respect. He expressed his wish for the region to achieve lasting peace and development through this collective engagement.
This kind of regional consultative forum provided a platform for policymakers, experts, and regional representatives to discuss the evolving security dynamics in the Red Sea and explore collaborative solutions to address the pressing challenges.
In addition to its importance for economic strategy, the Red Sea region is a focus for security issues. Zerubabel Getachew (PhD), a senior diplomat and international security researcher at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated as much.
Additionally, he said that food shortages in the Middle East and Africa are made worse by maritime instability, which impacts the most vulnerable communities. The economic significance of safeguarding the Red Sea is highlighted by the considerable expense of rerouting ships throughout Africa. Ethiopia’s direct participation in the area thus presents a chance to improve security cooperation and eliminate risks.
Israeli security researcher Yuval Eyelon, speaking at the dialogue, reiterated the need for increased security cooperation in response to growing terrorist threats across the Red Sea.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 2 JUNE 2024
