Idris Mohammed, a prominent figure in the global Ethiopian diaspora and former head of the Ethiopian Diaspora Association, has sounded the alarm on Ethiopia's landlocked status, warning that it poses a significant threat to regional stability.
As the current President of the International Diaspora Forum, Idris urged neighboring countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to find a sustainable solution that addresses Ethiopia's critical need for access to the sea.
He emphasized that the current situation not only hinders Ethiopia's economic development but also creates a volatile environment that could destabilize the entire region. In an exclusive interview with EBC Addis Dialogue, Idris articulated a dire assessment of Ethiopia's landlocked predicament, framing it not just as an economic challenge, but as a potential catalyst for instability that could ripple across the Horn of Africa.
Idris, a respected voice in the Ethiopian diaspora community, didn't mince words. He declared the lack of a direct maritime connection to be a "generational issue" that has crippled Ethiopia's potential for far too long.
He highlighted the devastating impact this has had on the nation's import and export capacity, contributing to a debilitating foreign currency shortage and placing immense pressure on the local currency.
According to the Forum President Idris's warning went beyond current economic woes.
Cognizant of the fact that Idris painted a chilling picture of future consequences should Ethiopia remain landlocked, emphasizing the potential for escalating inflation, resource scarcity, and increased hardship for the country's burgeoning population, which is projected to reach 130 to 150 million.
He stated that the Ethiopian government understands these challenges and has been actively seeking ways to mitigate the severity of this issue.
Crucially, Idris framed Ethiopia's pursuit of a sea outlet not as an act of aggression or territorial ambition, but as a pragmatic necessity with implications for the entire region.
He clarified that Ethiopia seeks to access the sea with a spirit of "give and take", advocating for a diplomatic resolution based on mutual benefit.
"Ethiopia," Idris asserted, "is not coming with empty hands."
He emphasized the country's significant agricultural output, its vast and available workforce, its considerable electricity generation capacity and many more opportunities to contribute to regional prosperity.
He appealed directly to neighbouring nations, urging them to view Ethiopia as a vital partner and to recognize that a strong and stable Ethiopia is in their shared interest, calling for cooperation, and urging neighbouring countries to engage in a dialogue to find collaborative solutions.
President Idris also highlighted the Ethiopian government's efforts to seek a viable sea outlet, citing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's "bold diplomacy," such as his recent engagement with Türkiye in Ankara, as evidence of the government’s strong commitment to finding a solution. Furthering the matter, he noted that the Prime Minister’s efforts should be “encouraged” and viewed positively by the broader region.