Ethiopia is seeking access to the sea despite opposition from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, as stated by the head of the ENDF, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula. He claimed the pursuit is justified and recognized internationally. Egypt and Eritrea have rejected any external involvement in Red Sea security matters, reinforcing their alliance with Somalia. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland for maritime access has faced opposition, prompting Turkey’s mediation efforts.
Ethiopia is resolute in its pursuit of access to the sea, amidst ongoing tensions with neighboring nations. Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Commander of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), emphasized that the absence of coastlines is ‘unjust’. He stated Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access has gained recognition as a legitimate concern within the international community. This comment was made during the commemoration of the 129th anniversary of the Adowa Victory.
He further asserted, “It is only a matter of time before we become a member of the Red Sea community,” referring to recent technical discussions between Ethiopia and Somalia in Ankara regarding this maritime request. He indicated Ethiopia’s military preparedness is focused on deterring external threats rather than engaging in minor skirmishes. “We are building an army that not only defends against aggression but also deters the enemy,” he added.
In response to Ethiopia’s ambitions, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdel-Atty, along with Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki, has clearly opposed any non-littoral states’ involvement in the Red Sea’s security dynamics. Their remarks were made following a recent dialogue concerning the region’s developments. They reinforced a Tripartite alliance with Somalia, formed post a 2024 summit, with intentions to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of areas like Somalia.
Egypt and Eritrea conducted a recent ministerial meeting in Cairo, wherein they reiterated their stance against military presence from countries without direct coastlines on the Red Sea. Ethiopia’s efforts to secure maritime access included an agreement with Somaliland for 20 kilometers of the Red Sea in exchange for acknowledging its sovereignty, a move that elicited opposition from Somalia, which has called for international intervention. Turkey has since intervened to foster dialogue on the matter.
Ethiopia’s push for sea access amidst regional tensions highlights significant geopolitical dynamics within the Horn of Africa. The strong military stance expressed by Ethiopian leaders contrasts sharply with the resistance from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. As Ethiopia seeks to engage with the international community to legitimize its claims, the complexities of regional alliances and disputes remain a crucial backdrop.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
