Ethiopia’s Quest for Sea Access Legitimate Agenda for Regional Peace and Dev't, Say Experts

Addis Ababa, June 22, 2026 (ENA)__Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign access to the sea is a legitimate and strategic agenda closely linked to regional peace, economic development, and long-term stability, experts have said.

The experts noted that Ethiopia’s claim is grounded in historical, legal, and geographical realities, arguing that access to a maritime outlet is essential for the country’s economic growth and broader regional integration.

The issue of Ethiopia’s access to the sea, which has remained unresolved for more than three decades, has gained renewed attention in the wake of the country’s reform efforts. It has increasingly emerged as a national priority with historical, legal, geographical, and moral dimensions.

Speaking to ENA, Political Science and International Relations scholar at Unity University, Getye Tirfe, said Ethiopia lost ownership of its seaport due to what he described as a combination of external pressures and internal shortcomings.

According to him, individuals and groups driven by personal and political interests rather than national vision contributed to a historic injustice that undermined Ethiopia’s national interests and the welfare of future generations.

"The loss of Ethiopia's maritime outlet has had significant consequences for the country's economic competitiveness and regional standing," Getye said.

He argued that the absence of direct sea access has weakened Ethiopia’s participation in international trade and contributed to security challenges in the region.

The scholar further noted that discussions surrounding Ethiopia’s historical, legal, and geographical rights to sea access have persisted for decades and remained a source of concern for many citizens.

Following the reform period, however, he said Ethiopians have increasingly embraced a common position on the issue, viewing access to the sea as a strategic national interest and a means of addressing longstanding historical grievances.

Temesgen Walelign, a policy and strategy researcher at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, stressed that sea access is not a matter of luxury for Ethiopia but a necessity.

He stated that the country's exclusion from a strategic maritime outlet over the past three decades has negatively affected the lives of citizens and imposed substantial costs on the national logistics system.

Temesgen also called for sustained efforts to secure Ethiopia’s historical and legal access to the Red Sea region, emphasizing the strategic importance of the area for global trade and international geopolitics.

The experts underscored that addressing Ethiopia’s maritime access concerns through peaceful and lawful means would not only serve the country's development aspirations but could also contribute to greater regional cooperation, stability, and shared prosperity.