Scholars have emphasized that the current generation must continue its quest for sea access, a matter of survival, with greater strength until a solution is achieved.
Ethiopia, with the largest population and a rapidly growing economy in Africa, relies on the Djibouti corridor for its very existence.
Ethiopia holds the leading position in terms of population size among the 16 landlocked countries on the continent.
Located 50 kilometers from the Red Sea, the country relies on a single sea port option, with 95 percent of its import and export trade passing through Djibouti's narrow corridor.
This poses a significant obstacle for a nation undergoing change and economic reform. Moreover, Djibouti's current situation is increasingly impacting Ethiopia.
A recent example of this is the fuel shortage experienced last week due to the closure of work in Djibouti for several consecutive days in observance of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Dr. Geleta Simesso, a peace researcher and lecturer, explains that relying on a sea port option dependent on the political and administrative decisions of another country comes at a high cost.
He points out that Ethiopia, where every purchase and sale of goods is public knowledge, finds itself in a position where its import and export activities of crucial items like weapons, large machinery, goods, and similar necessities, vital for the country's survival, are subject to the permission of a single nation.
He told EBC Dotstream that this determines the country's growth, security, regional participation, political, and diplomatic relations.
The transportation cost for goods entering the country accounts for 27 percent of the product's price. He indicated that if this continues, Djibouti will indirectly become a significant player in Ethiopia's economy.
Dr. Geleta detailed the concerns, stating that in the event of instability in Djibouti, a natural disaster, diplomatic friction, or if Djibouti were to reach an agreement with a party offering better benefits, Ethiopia would have no alternative sea port to utilize.
Therefore, he concludes that the generation's quest for sea access, a matter of survival, must continue with greater intensity until a solution is found.
Fekahmed Negash, an Abay (Nile) geopolitics analyst and negotiator, states that establishing domestic peace, accelerating growth, and promoting democracy are key factors that will enable a country to receive a positive response to its quest for sea access.
Fekahmed said that no country would refuse to engage with a nation that has achieved these points, and he also emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with countries that offer alternatives.
He further stated that Ethiopia's right to port utilization is supported by international law, and by strengthening the country's internal situation, it should become a beneficiary of this right.