The Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Institute has declared that regaining viable sea access and ensuring its beneficial utilization constitutes a historical imperative for the nation. This assertion underscores the deep-seated strategic importance Ethiopia places on securing a direct route to maritime trade.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Abdi Zenebe, the Deputy Director-General of the Institute, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of achieving this goal. He emphasized the necessity of fostering robust regional integration, cultivating a positive international standing, and, crucially, establishing dependable sea access alternatives for Ethiopia.
Dr. Abdi further elucidated the geopolitical dynamics at play, noting the increasing interest of global powers in the region, which elevates the strategic significance of the Red Sea. He argued that true national sovereignty extends beyond political considerations to encompass economic self-sufficiency, thereby necessitating a move away from reliance on others for crucial access.
Echoing this sentiment, political scholar Mekonnen Ketema Yifru posited that Ethiopia's substantial population necessitates the acquisition of multiple sea access options. He suggested that a mutually beneficial "give and take" approach could pave the way for such an arrangement.
Community leader Ustaz Jemal Beshir challenged those who foresee negative consequences arising from Ethiopia gaining sea access. He urged a critical examination of the underlying rationale behind such concerns. Ustaz Jemal also stressed the pivotal role of efficient logistics and streamlined trade processes in bolstering economic growth, implying that sea access would be a significant facilitator in this regard.
Professor Biruk, an expert in Political Science and International Relations, offered a cautionary perspective, stating that economic strength without a commensurate robust military capability could leave a nation vulnerable. He specifically pointed to Ethiopia's reliance on the Red Sea for its import and export activities, arguing that the absence of a domestic force to safeguard its interests in the region is a significant concern.
Professor Biruk concluded by emphatically stating the necessity for Ethiopia to resolutely pursue its demand for a military presence in the region and to secure sea access options to ensure the protection of its sovereignty. The Institute's pronouncement signals a renewed and intensified focus on this long-standing strategic objective for Ethiopia.