Ethiopia’s Quest for Access to Sea Based on Int’l Law, Mutual Benefits: Political Analyst 

Addis Ababa October 19, 2023 (ENA): Ethiopia's quest for access to the sea is based on international law and aims at ensuring mutual benefits, a Political Science and International Affairs analyst said.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed in 1982 in Jamaica allows landlocked countries to use ports located in other countries and to utilize resources in sea.

The idea raised by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding access to the sea is based on the principle of give and take as well as on shared interests.

The Political Science and International Relations analyst, Atkilt Atnafu told ENA that Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea is based on international law and shared development.   

Ethiopia has accordingly the right to negotiate in partnership with the neighboring countries to secure access to the sea based on shared benefits. 

The country's strategy would help to expedite regional integration as it ensures diplomacy of mutual benefits, he noted.   

The analyst stated that Ethiopia’s initiative is vital not only for the country but also the other countries in the region, forging strong continental partnership. 

Since Ethiopia’s call for dialogue on access to the sea with her neighbors is based on common understanding and benefits, it will create a better opportunity not only for itself but also other countries, Atkilt stressed. 

“This will help to transit from the psychology of selfish ownership and would promote a rightful spirt of cooperation among the countries. It is useful to understand, know and recognize the advantage with no political hung ups.” 

The analyst added that Ethiopia is expected to work in partnership with the neighboring countries on the principle of give and take to ensure the benefit of peoples and economic development. 

The fact that Ethiopia is constructing GERD to produce electric power not only for her own use but also for the benefit of others is a good indicator of mutual cooperation, he noted.

Atkilt further stressed the need for countries in the region to strengthen cooperation and integration.

“We should look into the issue from the perspectives of international law and principles. Landlocked countries can discuss and forward their proposals in two different ways. The first is to forward the issue in terms of legal rights. The second option is engaging with port owning countries on respectful and common utilization and access to ports through cooperation to secure mutual benefits.”

In sum, Ethiopia's quest for port access to the sea needs to be addressed in accordance with   Resolution No. 390/5 passed by the United Nations in 1952.