Ethiopia is pushing for maritime access while confronting a coalition of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, who oppose its claims. ENDF chief Birhanu Jula sees this endeavor as a justified goal recognized internationally. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to mediate the disputes arising from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland for access to the Red Sea.
Ethiopia is actively seeking access to the sea, despite tensions with its neighbors, as stated by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, the head of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). He described the country’s ambition for maritime access as “unjust” and emphasized that it has gained international recognition as a legitimate aim. This assertion was made during the commemoration of the 129th anniversary of the Adowa Victory, highlighting Ethiopia’s ongoing struggles for sea access.
Field Marshal Birhanu declared, “It is only a matter of time before we become a member of the Red Sea community,” after Ethiopia and Somalia initiated technical discussions in Ankara regarding the request for sea access. He also addressed military preparedness, stating, “We are not preparing for minor disturbances; we are preparing to defend against external aggression,” indicating a strong commitment to national security.
In contrast, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atty and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki reaffirmed their opposition to the involvement of non-littoral states in Red Sea affairs, deliberately targeting Ethiopia. Following their latest meeting, they stated that military presence from states outside the region would not be tolerated, reinforcing their regional stance against interference in Somalia’s sovereignty.
In an attempt to secure a foothold, Ethiopia entered an agreement with Somaliland for 20 kilometers of Red Sea access in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty, a move that faces opposition from Somalia. Somalia has called for international intervention over this agreement, prompting Turkey to mediate discussions between the involved parties for a peaceful resolution.
Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access amidst regional tensions demonstrates its ambition for greater involvement in maritime activities, countered by the formation of an alliance among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. The implications of this conflict revolve around national sovereignty and security interests within the Horn of Africa, further complicated by international diplomacy and mediation efforts.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
