Red Sea Access Existential Issue for Ethiopia, Says AAU Researcher

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2026 (ENA) —Access to the Red Sea is an existential issue for Ethiopia, with implications for the country’s security, sovereignty, economy ,and diplomatic influence, a researcher at Addis Ababa University said.

Tesfaye Jima, a researcher at Addis Ababa University, made the remarks in an exclusive interview with ENA, saying Ethiopia’s interest in the Red Sea goes far beyond trade.

Ethiopia’s growing population and future economic needs make access to the sea an important national concern, he said, questioning how the country can meet its future demands and sustain its influence while remaining landlocked.

“The Red Sea is an existential issue for Ethiopia,” he said, noting that sea access matters for imports and exports, as well as fishing and agricultural production.

Sea access would give Ethiopia greater control over its economic activities and strengthen its security and sovereignty, he said.

Access to the Red Sea would also strengthen Ethiopia’s diplomatic and political engagement in the region and beyond, he said.

“We need the Red Sea to project influence regionally and globally,” he said.

Ethiopia’s interest in the Red Sea also has a regional dimension, he said, arguing that stronger engagement could contribute to peace, security and economic cooperation in the region.

Ethiopia’s demographic and economic potential could enable it to play a greater role in regional affairs, he said, highlighting the importance of developing maritime and naval capabilities.

Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea and broader participation in regional mechanisms could benefit countries in the region by promoting cooperation in peace, security and development, he argued.

 

On the legal dimension, Ethiopia has signed international treaties, agreements and conventions relevant to its interests in the Red Sea and the Nile, he said.

Historical agreements and records, including those dating back to the 1870s, should be studied and presented with evidence through diplomatic channels as part of Ethiopia’s efforts to explain its position and national interests, he said.

Tesfaye also stressed the importance of research and public awareness, calling on scholars to conduct evidence-based studies and engage major international institutions, while the media should help the public better understand the issue.

National unity and cooperation are essential in pursuing Ethiopia’s sea-access interests, he said, adding that national interests should serve the country, its people and future generations.

Ethiopia should pursue its interests through peaceful diplomacy while addressing internal challenges and strengthening peace and stability at home, he said.

He cited Ethiopia’s experience in advancing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam through diplomatic engagement as an example of advancing national interests through peaceful means.

Ethiopia’s sea-access agenda should therefore be treated as a long-term national issue requiring research, diplomacy, public awareness and cooperation, he said.