According to Abiy Ahmed, the nation’s desire for access to the sea does not imply that it will invade.
In response to questions raised by his proposal that Addis Ababa be granted access to the Red Sea, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia has never invaded any nation and will not use force to further its goals.
Speaking to thousands of soldiers on Thursday during the 116th National Army Day celebration in the nation, Abiy stated, “There are fears that Ethiopia may carry out an invasion after our recent strong demand for access to the sea.”
In a televised speech a few days ago, the prime minister informed members of parliament that the landlocked nation of East Africa is entitled to own a port outlet and that “balanced mutual sharing” with its neighbours is necessary to maintain peace in the region.
He claimed that Ethiopia had kept mute on the subject of its “existence,” while other nations were debating the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and other transboundary rivers for mutual benefit.
Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa. Its neighbours Eritrea and Djibouti have direct access to the Red Sea, which is a key global commerce hub, while it does not.
Access to the sea is a necessity rather than a luxury for Ethiopia’s expanding population, according to Abiy, even if he has no wish to meddle in the affairs of neighbours. Given the history of hostilities with Eritrea, some observers expressed concern in response to his remarks.
Without specifically mentioning Ethiopia, the Eritrean government responded by advising organisations and individuals not to be offended by “excessive” comments regarding access to the sea.
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Since being landlocked after Eritrea’s separation in 1993, more than 85% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports have come from the port of Djibouti. It was able to reach an Eritrean port directly up until 1998 and 2000, when the two nations fought a two-year border war.
After Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace accord in 2018, tensions decreased. For his efforts to mend his differences with Eritrea, whose soldiers subsequently joined Ethiopian forces in the bloody two-year conflict in Tigray, the Ethiopian leader was granted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
The Ethiopian army “never initiated an attack” and “will not attack anyone,” according to Abiy, who also stated on Thursday that “we are committed to mutual interest through dialogue and negotiation.”
