Securing Red Sea Access Pivotal to Unlocking Regional Prosperity: Member of HPR

Addis Ababa, November 10, 2025 (ENA) – Member of the House of People’s representatives (HPR) Buzuayehu Degefa told ENA that securing access to the Red Sea is not only a national concern, but a prerequisite for the collective prosperity of the Horn of Africa.

While responding to questions posed by lawmakers, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed that the Red Sea issue is multifaceted, with legal, historical, geographical, and economic dimensions.  

Ethiopia’s approach will remain peaceful and grounded in dialogue, seeking solutions based on mutual understanding and regional cooperation rather than confrontation, the premier underlined.

Buzuayehu further elaborated that the loss of sea access resulted from an arrangement lacking historical and legal legitimacy, a national issue that was never endorsed through proper institutional or legal frameworks.

The current initiative enjoys broad domestic support and aligns with Ethiopia's ongoing economic transformation, increasingly gaining international recognition, reflecting its growing legitimacy and significance for Ethiopia’s long-term economic resilience.

 Access to the Red Sea, Buzuayehu stressed, would not only strengthen Ethiopia’s trade and logistics sectors but also enhance regional connectivity and cooperation.

 Citing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as an example, he highlighted how Ethiopia’s development projects can serve as instruments of regional integration and shared growth.

 He also argued that resolving Ethiopia’s quest for Red Sea access would enable the country to play a more effective role in promoting peace, stability, and collective prosperity across the Horn of Africa.