BY TEWODROS ALEMAYEHU
Distinguished American political strategist, Andrew Korybko (PhD) argues that continued dismembering of Ethiopia from the Red Sea Council results in suspicions about member states' motives.
He told EBC that Ethiopia can boast more substantial historical ties across the Red Sea than some existing member countries located even further away.
Speaking from his base in Moscow, Korybko emphasized Ethiopia's economic reliance on unimpeded maritime trade through the Red Sea to secure vital imports.
He warned that potential supply chain disruptions could risk triggering financial collapse and domestic turmoil in Africa's second most populous nation. This disruption, according to Korybko, could source from Great Power Games over the Red Sea, which could also severely test the stability and economic sovereignty of the entire east Africa region.
"The current Council membership should grant Ethiopia a formal role, ideally full membership status," Korybko suggested, citing the precedent of distant countries participating in the Arctic Council as observers and members.
However, Korybko acknowledged steep challenges still stand in the way of Ethiopia's desire to reestablish a naval foothold along Eritrean shores in the near future.
Instead, he proposed negotiations with Djibouti to reach a port access agreement similar to pacts Djibouti already granted the United States and China.