A memorandum of understanding allowing Addis Ababa directly access to a sea outlet was signed on the first of January between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Ethiopia will be able to set both military and commercial bases along the coast according to this strategic accord.
As per the agreement, Somaliland will give Ethiopia a 50-year lease on 20 kilometers of coastline territory.
Muhammad Jemal of Madda Walabu University told EBC World that Ethiopia in its effort to get a sea outlet is following a procedure international principle.
“It’s a terrible and dishonourable incident that Ethiopia, once a country with three sea outlets, hasn't had a single one for thirty years. As of now, I want to claim, that Ethiopians should not feel guilty about bringing up the issue of the sea outlet saying it is unwarranted and improper. Instead, interest in and pursuit of a seaport is legitimate and necessary. Indeed, there are foreign nationals who are eager to engage in dialogue on our transboundary natural resources, such as the Abay River. On the other hand, it has been observed that the majority of Ethiopians are embarrassed about the Red Sea, so we are unable to bring up the issue.”
Alemu Balcha and Yared Legesse, also from the same university, stated that the Ethiopian government’s quest for the Sea outlet is legitimate and in line with numerous international legal frameworks, African treaties, and other accords.
“The UN Charter has never covered such subjects; therefore, the five points about seaport access do not necessitate the aforementioned recognition. Thus, it has not been lawful to cause chaos about Somaliland's recognition as a nation and to dismiss the government's agreement as meaningless,” Alemu Balcha.
Yared Legesse further asserts, “There are distinct laws in Africa and around the world. Given that seaport access is governed by a UN agreement, nations that have sea outlets must work together to resolve difficulties such as Ethiopia’s pursuit of a sea outlet.”
The scholars also emphasized that the government’s efforts have been very important because they have been carried out following these matters, encouraging the neighbouring countries to concentrate on cooperative efforts that follow the give-and-take principle of diplomacy or a win-win approach.
Thus far, Somaliland and Ethiopia stand to gain much from the implementation of Ethiopia’s sea outlet goal, provided it is carried out in a way that maintains regional stability and promotes both countries' continued integration.