Addis ababa: Ethiopian scholars have emphasized that the country's quest to access the Red Sea is a strategic national agenda designed to protect Ethiopia's long-term interests and rectify historical injustices. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, while responding to questions posed by members of the House of Peoples' Representatives yesterday at the second regular session of the 5th parliamentary year, emphasized that the Red Sea issue is not merely a political matter but a legal, historical, geographical, and economic concern central to Ethiopia's future.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Mohamed Osman, President of Semera University, highlighted that the Red Sea represents an international geopolitical center of gravity and is crucial for peace and security in the Horn of Africa. The president noted that the Red Sea is a matter of national security and sovereignty for Ethiopia, and current efforts to correct the 'historic injustice' of depriving the country of sea access are legitimate rights. Ethiopia has reached a decisive moment where reclaiming sea access has become a generational priority. He stressed that Ethiopia should not remain a landlocked nation and addressing the question of sea port ownership is essential to protecting national interests and repairing historical fractures.
Dejene Yamene, an International Law Scholar, elaborated that international law and UN maritime conventions support the rationality and legitimacy of Ethiopia's quest to access the sea. He explained that Ethiopia's historical and natural connection to its former access to the Red Sea had existed independently for centuries and should not be considered part of another country's territorial integrity. Ethiopia has the right to review the fundamental decisions made under earlier agreements and to challenge those based on colonial-era arrangements. He suggested that a comprehensive international legal study be undertaken, incorporating international customary law to affirm Ethiopia's right to secure access.
Temesgen Walelegn, a policy and strategy researcher at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, stated that Ethiopia has been geopolitically isolated from the sea for over three decades, significantly constraining its economic competitiveness. He recalled that this situation has placed pressure on Ethiopia's role in the global import-export system and hindered the progress of major national projects. Temesgen underscored the necessity for Ethiopia to have multiple ports to support the country's growing economy and expanding logistics sector.