Scholars Say Ethiopia's Pursuit of Sea Access Gaining International Recognition as a Legitimate National Interest

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian scholars said the country's longstanding pursuit of secure and sustainable access to the sea is increasingly gaining recognition within the international community as a legitimate national interest.

Approached by ENA, the scholars emphasized that the initiative is being advanced through peaceful diplomacy, international legal principles, and a framework of mutual benefit.

They further noted that Ethiopia's quest for maritime access is rooted in historical, geographical, economic, and legal considerations, and has become an important policy agenda aimed at supporting the country's long-term development, national security, and regional economic integration.

They stressed that Ethiopia is pursuing the issue through diplomatic engagement, dialogue, and internationally recognized legal frameworks, while promoting cooperation with neighboring countries based on shared prosperity and mutual benefit.

Ethiopia's access to the Red Sea, they observed, remains closely linked to the country's historical legacy, centuries-old statehood, strategic security interests, and economic transformation.

Under the government's Medemer (Synergy) philosophy, the country has intensified discussions on securing reliable sea access through peaceful partnerships designed to foster regional connectivity, economic integration, and collective development.

According to the scholars, Ethiopia continues to pursue diplomatic and legal avenues to address what it considers a longstanding national aspiration while emphasizing that any future arrangement should create benefits for all parties involved.

Lecturer of Diplomacy and International Relations at the Ethiopian Public Service University, Endale Nigussie, described access to the sea as a strategic component of national interest that strengthens a country's comprehensive sovereignty and economic resilience.

He stated that Ethiopia's demand extends beyond historical and geographical considerations.

Endale also reflected on   the practical needs of one of Africa's largest and fastest-growing populations.

According to him, sustained diplomatic engagement and a proactive foreign policy have helped elevate the issue onto the international agenda through dialogue grounded in international norms and scientific analysis.

Endale further argued that Ethiopia's pursuit of sea access should be viewed not as a zero-sum proposition but as an opportunity to expand regional cooperation, strengthen economic interdependence, and promote lasting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Horn of Africa.

He added that the international community is increasingly recognizing that facilitating Ethiopia's access to the sea through peaceful and mutually beneficial arrangements can generate shared economic opportunities for the wider region.

Ethiopia has no intention of disadvantaging any neighboring country, the Lecturer underscored.

The scholar also cited Ethiopia's experience in advancing major national initiatives, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its regional green development initiatives—as examples of the country's ability to pursue strategic objectives through resilience, diplomacy, and broad national participation.

He called on Ethiopians to strengthen national unity and collective commitment in advancing what he described as a generational national objective through peaceful diplomatic engagement.

Similarly, Lecturer of Leadership and International Relations at Unity University, Getiye Tirfe, said Ethiopia's loss of direct sea access resulted from historical geopolitical developments that have continued to shape the region's political and economic landscape.

He argued that restoring dependable maritime access through peaceful means would not only serve Ethiopia's national interests but also enhance regional trade, investment, connectivity, and broader economic cooperation.

He further stated that the issue has increasingly emerged as a legitimate regional and international agenda centered on sustainable development, economic integration, and collective prosperity.

Ethiopia maintains that securing reliable maritime access through peaceful negotiation, regional cooperation, and mutually beneficial arrangements constitutes a legitimate national interest consistent with international legal principles, it was learned.