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Can Ethiopia reclaim the Red Sea?







October 27, 2023


The Red Sea, the most highly trafficked waterway, is a talking point of East Africa today, perhaps the entire globe of ours as well. Narratives on it are on the remaking and the way nations think about it is and should be expected to be redefined. Almost everyone, at least here in Ethiopia, irrespective of age, sex educational background, religion, started off chatting about it, immediately after a trailer on the Red Sea was aired.

The documentary, published recently, made it clear that Ethiopia has at least the soft power to regain its natural, political and legitimate rights of having direct access to the Red Sea. But sadly yet intentionally, some singled out only phrases from the lecture, used it out of context, and misinterpreted it for their own personal gains and possibly for their hidden motives.

Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea, once its county gained its independence in 1993. For thirty years, this ancient nation has been forced to be dependent on neighboring countries, especially Djibouti for its access to ports and international shipping lanes. This has been severely costly and unsustainable both to Ethiopia and the region at large, as experts say. Ethiopia’s aspiration to regional economic integration, I think, and of course its plan to be a mid income country has necessitated the need to eye a direct access to sea waters-gate to the world.

Ethiopia, in its latest quest, has demanded not a free lunch, rather has pledged to offer lucrative business shares of Billion Dollars, namely its flagship project in return of what it might gain from its direct access to the busiest water routes –a win-win approach.

It short threatened no one, targeted no particular group or country, and just tabled a proposal to promote regional-multilateral economic integration. Ethiopia has not a hidden motive of waging war as some local and international media houses are trying to mislead.

Simple! Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed boldly and genuinely spoke of his government’s strong desire that Ethiopia, a country of over 120 millions+, badly needs to have direct access to the Red Sea. This was the first time when PM Abiy Ahmed addressed lawmakers on matters of having direct access, the Red Sea in particular.


Read the full article here.
https://press.et/herald/?p=83947

Ethiopia's Natural Quest For Sea Outlet Offers Dividend For All




There are more than 85 different countries in Ethiopia.


BY BEREKET SISAY

Ethiopia has made bold assertion about its natural and legitimate right to sea outlet. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently made presentation to Ethiopia’s members of parliament about the importance of access to the sea. The underlying principles of his presentation, were among others, while pursuing for the common destiny of the peoples who have consisted in any of the country, for instance, in Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya and Eritrea, the peoples deserve utilizing resources in the region for mutual benefits as they have common heritage, language and culture.

It is against this backdrop that Ethiopia has offered for equitable and fair utilization of resources, in this case, sea outlets, and the issue must put on table for peaceful dialogue and discussion. Let alone in 21st century where mutual cooperation, shared vision and mutual benefits, multilateralism and give and take are much articulated in the global stage, these notions were among the core guiding principles for the United Nations, African Union and other regional and international blocks.

Even if we follow the currents trends among nations in the region, there are collaborations, despite variations in magnitude. If wisdom prevails, countries in the region will intensify their endeavors and explore all avenues for common prosperity. Given historical, geographical, cultural and inter-dependence nature of the neighboring peoples, negotiations and give and take principles are in their best interest.

For its growing population and economy, Ethiopia's lack of access sea outlets for its foreign trade is a major obstacle to the country's attempts to boost its exports and reap the benefits as desired. Needles to mention, the lack of direct access to the coast diminishes the country's export performance as it discourages business entities due to operational cost of freight in the logistics network.






In support of this argument, studies have shown that landlocked developing countries continue to face structural challenges in accessing global markets. As a result, landlocked countries often lag behind their maritime neighbors in terms of overall development and foreign trade due to their distance from the coast. The UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States report shows that lack of territorial access to the sea, remoteness and isolation from global markets, additional border crossings, cumbersome transit procedures, inefficient logistics systems, weak institutions and poor infrastructure cause LLDCs to incur significantly higher transport and other trade transaction costs than coastal countries. These high costs have an enormous trade-restricting effect, which has a direct negative impact on economic growth and puts LLDCs at a disadvantage in realizing their full potential in support of their sustainable development efforts.

Moreover, dependence on another country's port is not a sustainable and viable option for a nation, as it is based on principles agreed between countries, as opposed to having its own natural direct access. Thus, it is possible to conclude that lack of access to sea routes and exposure to high transportation and transit costs puts Ethiopia at significant economic disadvantage position and for this it is not surprising that Ethiopia is now reconsidering options to gain access to the Red Sea.

Moreover, gaining access to the sea would have a huge positive impact on Ethiopia's economy, giving a new impetus to the country's overall development. Sea outlets will further stimulate the economy, of course with dividends to all. This is because the sea outlet will enable Ethiopia to reconnect to one of the world's most important trade routes - the Red Sea, which, according to the European University Institute, now carries around 80% of the world's trade by sea, as well as more than 12% of the world's seaborne cargo and 40% of Asia's trade with Europe.

Given Ethiopia's geo-strategic location, the lack of direct access to the Red Sea is an obstacle to the country's future. So, Ethiopia's call for access to the Red Sea can be achieved through peaceful diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries. More importantly, neighboring countries should first deem Ethiopia’s request as a legitimate concern as part of a regional agenda for shared economic prosperity. What's more, Ethiopia's willingness to offer part of its national assets, such as taking a share from Ethiopia Airlines, Ethio-telecom, including the Great Renaissance Dam, attest that Ethiopia is calling for a genuine partnership and win-win cooperation. This is not solely for Ethiopia but a dividend for all who are engaged. This is the explicit call that the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made to countries in the region.

There are countries that have gained access to the sea after long diplomatic efforts. For example, it was sincere diplomatic negotiations that led to Poland's gaining of access to see, and it's no different for Ethiopia to seek direct access to the Red Sea through mutually beneficial and peaceful diplomatic means. Therefore, neighboring countries must be open for dialogue as sea outlet for Ethiopia is imperative both for its current as well as future economic goals and dividend for all. Ethiopia's request for sea access is not a matter of competing interests between neighboring countries, but of mutually agreed benefits that will further regional economic integration in the context of shared development agenda. It must be noted that the Horn of Africa, which has long been characterized as a hotspot of insecurity and fragility, can easily transform the region into one of sustainable peace and development as long as the countries of the region are inclined towards such a mutually beneficial agenda, and this is incumbent on all the countries of the region.




https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_3510302

What's more, Ethiopia's willingness to offer part of its national assets, such as taking a share from Ethiopia Airlines, Ethio-telecom, including the Great Renaissance Dam, attest that Ethiopia is calling for a genuine partnership and win-win cooperation.

This is an insult to Afar people.

Assab is worth more than Oromo region, Amhara region, Gambella region, Benshangul-Gumaz region, Southern Nations-Nationalities and Peoples region, Tigray region, Ethiopia Airlines, Ethio-telecom and the useless so called Great Renaissance Dam put together.

Oromos/Abiy Ahmed must apologize to Afar people.

Oromos/Abiy Ahmed can watch but can't touch without Afar people consent, the sole owners.

Yes we know that Eritrea’s owns and people are more valuable than what Ethiopia’s owns and its people.
I am taking the phrase from you agame ho’e Abyssinialady… or is Abiy’s phrase.
Now we know we believe it and if you also believe it, you should approach Eritrea and asks Eritrea what it can it offer you honestly, except telling it that you want to own port which belongs to Eritrea. I mean, Ethiopia has nothing to offer Eritrea……fu’ck any thing you own….. if you don’t want to use it, go fu’ck yourselves. If you want to use it, you will be forced to do it with what Eritrea demands, not what you offer.
Until you do so, go tell Djibouti that you will pay the fees of their ports with your airline, dam shares or the 110 million Ethiopians a’ss holes.

Afars have emerged as a bargaining chips in the Red Sea negotiations, Conflict-ridden Ethiopia pledged its support for the liberation of Afar State in Eritrea.


The good for nothing DIA can run but can't hide from Abiy drones.

Don't be afraid of PM Abiy Ahmed's coming war with Isaias Afwerki, It's essential to remove Isaias Afwerki, 30 years is too long, Today, Eritrea is in worst shape than it was during Haile Selassie reigns over Eritrea.

AbyssiniaLady wrote: ↑

29 Oct 2023, 22:40

Don't be afraid of PM Abiy Ahmed's coming war with Isaias Afwerki, It's essential to remove Isaias Afwerki, 30 years is too long, Today, Eritrea is in worst shape than it was during Haile Selassie reigns over Eritrea.

My greatest fear is that we may end up losing our country Ethiopia if our leaders keep serving the interests of global powers at the risk of fragmenting the country stitched together with a loose thread. For forbid, if that were to happen, the major regions in the country may be able to withstand the break up, but the same can't be said about the smallest regions like Tigray that may disappear into thin air. Will you be happy with the virtual Tigray you have created on the cyberspace?

Demand for Access to Sea Based on Win-Win Principle and Mutual Economic Benefit








Addis Ababa, November 4/2023 (ENA): Ethiopia’s request for access to the sea is based on a win-win approach and mutual economic benefit, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the minister noted that the economic perspective should weigh much more than its political perspective in Ethiopia’s legitimate demand for access to the sea.

The neighboring countries with access to sea should consider the country's request as economic benefit, not a threat.

Ethiopia will of course benefit from access to sea to further accelerate its economic growth; but this will not only develop Ethiopia. Certainly, the per capita income of the other countries will also increase as a result, the minister stated.

“The direction set is on win-win basis and in ways that ensure mutual economic benefit of all the countries. This option should (therefore) be taken as a priority by the countries; and I don’t think they should see it as a threat.”

Noting that access to sea is important for Ethiopia not only for now but also for the future, Melaku noted that “these countries can benefit more than Ethiopia by providing port access.”

According to the minster, Ethiopia's GDP has been doubling within a short time, and countries that provide port services (for the country) should consider it as a blessing because the countries can get economic benefits which they cannot achieve.

Melaku underscored that “the objective (of Ethiopia) is not war, it’s not about politics. The objective is peace and sustainable economic development based on fair mutual benefit.”

The Red Sea coastline has the potential to adequately accommodate ports for 40 countries, the minister said, adding that the issue then should be ensuring mutual benefit through concession.


https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_3538097



At this point, Ethiopia is trolling Eritrea, It is not about access to sea.

Ethiopia’s Quest for Access to Sea Expedites Regional Integration









Addis Ababa November 3, 2023 (ENA) Ethiopia’s quest to have access to the sea will play vital role to expediting regional integration among countries in the Horn of Africa, veteran diplomat and international relations scholar underlined.

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said recently that Ethiopia’s desire to have access to the sea is based on the principle of give and take as well as on shared interests with neighboring countries.

Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea is in line with its foreign policy on the East Africa region.

Speaking to ENA, the veteran diplomat Ambassador Tiruneh Zena stated that Ethiopia has been demanding access to sea for a long time.

Ethiopia this time made the demand based on the principle of give and take as well as shared benefits that have been in practice in the contemporary diplomacy.

The proposal will never affect the interest and rights of other countries as it would be realized through negotiations and agreements with the principle of shared development, he stressed.

“Countries in Africa, particularly in the Eastern part of the continent, are currently exerting efforts to trade among themselves and expedite their collective economic development. In this regard, the idea to work together for shared development is a good opportunity for the countries in the region because Ethiopia has been growing rapidly and expressing its interest to work with the countries for common goal.”

The veteran diplomat stated that a diplomatic endeavor based on shared benefits and the principle of give and take is instrumental to strengthen regional integration.

He further stressed the need to work together with a view to realizing Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea as the nation requires a port that can shoulder the rapidly growing economy.

“I think this is the proper path. Forceful ways other than cooperation and shared benefits would never be sustainable; and it is not also appropriate. Creating a win-win situation through negotiations and discussion is the best way.”

Member of the House of People's Representative and international law scholar, Sadiq Adem said that Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea is acceptable in all aspects as it is based on international laws enacted on water and access to the sea.

Several landlocked countries have been able to access the sea through the available international laws, he noted.

The way Ethiopia presented its demand for access to sea signifies the strong desire of the country to realizing shared development with other countries.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed in 1982 in Jamaica allows landlocked countries to use ports located in other countries and to utilize resources in sea.


https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_3535189


A day without talking about Red Sea is a day wasted in war-torn Ethiopia.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed in 1982 in Jamaica allows landlocked countries to use ports located in other countries and to utilize resources in sea.

That is not true, these two idiots have misunderstood the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed in 1982.

Premier reiterates Ethiopia’s stance on rules based access to the Red Sea






Nov 14, 2023



Addis Ababa, November 14, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS should not be mistaken for a decision to sideline the countries which are not part of the economic bloc, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in his remarks at the Parliament on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister noted that Ethiopia’s presence in the BRICS would help the nation actively participate in the South-South Cooperation and gain economic benefit from this framework in many several ways.

Ethiopia is a major player in the South-South Cooperation framework and our accession to the bloc is beneficial for both the BRICS and the country.

Ethiopia is committed to work in cooperation with every country in all corners of the world based on its foreign policy, he added.

Concerning diplomatic issues, the Prime Minister explained that Ethiopia’s foreign policy takes into consideration the national interest and sovereignty of the nation and geopolitical historical and economic situation. The foreign policy prioritizes neighboring countries and considers future cooperation with regional countries, he said.

Regarding access to the Red Sea, the Prime Minister noted that many conspiracy theories and analyses have emerged following Ethiopia’s announcement to the quest for access to the sea outlet.

“But, this is not the right way to solve the issue, he said. Ethiopia wants to ensure its access to the sea only with discussions based of business rules not by aggressive ways,” the Premier noted.

Ethiopia had a population of around 47 million while it owned two sea ports thirty years ago. After thirty years, Ethiopia came to a position to use two ports based on a trade deal. But, the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia forced the nation to stick to only the Djibouti port based on a trade deal.

“If Ethiopia’s access to the Djibouti port is forced to be obstructed, import of fuel, fertilizers and other essential goods via the port will be disrupted and this in turn will affect the overall economic activities in the country. That is why Ethiopia is seeking other alternatives to have access to the Red Sea,”

Ethiopia’s lack of direct access to the sea has contributed the increase of undocumented Ethiopian migrants to various Middle East and African countries constrained nation’s ability to cater for its large population and hindered its economic growth and development, the Prime Minister said, calling countries to understand quest to the sea access with a good intention.

The Premier called on countries of the Horn and African at large and countries of the eastern and western parts of the world to consider the true nature of the interest and the problems Ethiopia is facing currently.

“Ethiopia has the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the largest Airlines in Africa. So we can share these great national treasures with countries willing to share their ports with us,” the Premier said.

“We have no intention of threatening the sovereignty of any nation but we would like a rules based access to the Red Sea. Our request is to initiate discussions towards sustainable solutions.” The Prime Minister added.

Finally, the house has passed a motion supporting President’s speech on the work plan of the 2023/2024 budget year.



https://www.fanabc.com/english/premier- ... he-red-sea