Ethiopia’s Quest for Seaport at Irreversible Stage, Say Experts   

Addis Ababa, October 30, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's pursuit of sea access has gained momentum and reached an irreversible stage, experts told ENA.

Nile and Red Sea Strategic Forum Executive Committee member and legal consultant, Yonas Woldeyes, said the quest for sovereign seaport is a vital issue grounded in international law, economic development needs, and geographical proximity that ensures mutual benefit in the region. 

Highlighting the ongoing major national projects—including the construction of the Bishoftu Airport, a massive fertilizer factory, oil refinery facilities, and energy infrastructure of the country, the legal consultant added that securing seaport has become an existential and developmental necessity.

Yonas noted that relying solely on the Port of Djibouti causes container delays that place heavy pressure on the business community and the economy, making the quest for direct sea access an absolute necessity.

As a result, Ethiopia's quest for seaport has reached an irreversible stage; and it is backed by legal, historical, geographical, and economic rationale, he underscored.

According to him, Ethiopians must therefore work to build a shared understanding backed by scientific evidence concerning their access to the sea and water resources.

The expert warned certain actors against distorting Ethiopia's legally grounded quest and misleading the international community, emphasizing the need for strengthening to counter such deceitful activities.

For his part, Peace and Security researcher at Addis Ababa University, Mulugeta Ayele, said while other nations traverse thousands of miles to protect their interests in the Red Sea, keeping Ethiopia—which is located merely 60 kilometers away from the Red Sea— away from sea access is unacceptable by any standard.

Safeguarding its interests in the Red Sea is therefore Ethiopia's indispensable right, he underlined.

Noting Ethiopia's sea access quest as guided by principles of give-and-take and international norms, the researcher said its acceptance is growing; and this can be achieved if we stand united.

Recalling that the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden experience maritime piracy, ship hijackings, and criminal acts, Mulugeta pointed out that Ethiopia's return to the Red Sea would play a pivotal role in ensuring regional peace and stability.